Communicable Disease - Bacteria
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.1.6
Bacteria
Bacteria are small living cells that either damage cells directly or by producing toxins (poisons). Bacteria can reproduce rapidly in warm, moist conditions that have a good supply of oxygen. Some examples of bacterial diseases:
Salmonella
- If food has not been cooked properly or has been prepared in unhygienic conditions, then we may ingest (eat) Salmonella bacteria that cause food poisoning.
- The bacteria release toxins (poisons), causing fever, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Gonorrhoea
- Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease.
- Its symptoms include pain when urinating and a thick yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis.
- Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, can be used to stop the bacteria spreading from person to person.
Test yourself on Communicable Disease - Bacteria
Which of these statements about preventing bacterial disease are correct?
Why does eating improperly cooked food increase the risk of Salmonella poisoning?
Why does refrigerating food help reduce the risk of Salmonella growing on it?