Parasitic Diseasebilharzia Is A Disease That Is Caused By Parasitic Wo ✓ Solved

Parasitic Disease Bilharzia is a disease that is caused by parasitic worms. The parasites that usually cause bilharzia live in particular types of freshwater snails. The major challenge that is being experienced in the prevention of the disease is the lack of a vaccine (Farley, 2017). Although there is no vaccine for bilharzia, this disease is addressed in public health through which people are advised to take some preventive measures. These preventive measures include avoiding swimming in fresh water when in countries in which schistosomiasis occurs and drinking safe water.

However, swimming in the ocean and in chlorinated swimming pools is considered to be safe. Infectious Disease Influenza is an infectious disease that attacks a person's respiratory system including the nose lungs and throat. This disease represents a major burden for public health because it affects all age groups with different prognoses. The major challenge that is faced in trying to prevent influenza is that the immunity that is provided from the vaccines usually wanes with the virus mutation over time which requires people to be vaccinated every year. The immunization plans of influenza need to be updated continuously in order to reduce the severe and fatal cases caused by this disease (Paules, et al., 2018).

The public health sector is trying to address the challenge by ensuring people acquire an every year seasonal vaccine that provides protection from the various types of influenza. Antibiotic Resistance One of the antibiotic resistance situations is bacteria resistance to antibiotics. In this situation, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics that were once treated by those antibiotics (Frieri, Kumar, & Boutin, 2017). These bacteria cause severe diseases which have made resistance to antibiotics to become a major public health issue. However, there are some ways in which people are trying to prevent antibiotic resistance for instance by practicing good hygiene, completing the entire course of any prescribed antibiotic, and minimizing unnecessary prescribing and overprescribing.

Reference Farley, J. (2017). Bilharzia: A problem of ‘Native Health’, 1900–1950. In Imperial medicine and indigenous societies. Manchester University Press. Frieri, M., Kumar, K., & Boutin, A. (2017).

Antibiotic resistance. Journal of infection and public health, 10(4), . Paules, C. I., Sullivan, S. G., Subbarao, K., & Fauci, A.

S. (2018). Chasing seasonal influenza—the need for a universal influenza vaccine. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(1), 7-9.

Paper for above instructions

Understanding Parasitic Diseases: Bilharzia, Influenza, and Antibiotic Resistance

Introduction

Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a significant parasitic disease caused by schistosome worms, which live in freshwater snails. As a neglected tropical disease, it's particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, impacting millions globally (Farley, 2017). Alongside bilharzia, other infectious agents such as the influenza virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria present vast challenges in public health today. This essay delves into the complexities surrounding bilharzia, the systemic responses to influenza, and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Bilharzia: Transmission and Prevention

Transmission Mechanism
Bilharzia is primarily caused by three species of schistosomes: Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma japonicum. The lifecycle of these parasites involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts. When individuals come into contact with infested water, larval forms of the parasite (cercariae) penetrate skin, leading to infection (Farley, 2017).
Impact on Public Health
Bilharzia poses significant health risks, including chronic illnesses that can lead to severe complications such as liver damage, kidney failure, and even death if untreated. The disease impacts productivity and economic stability in endemic regions, creating a direct correlation between health and development (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).
Preventive Measures
With no licensed vaccine available, public health interventions focus on prevention and management of bilharzia. The primary measures include:
- Education and Awareness: Educating communities about the dangers of swimming in freshwater bodies in endemic areas is crucial (Tchuenté et al., 2017).
- Access to Safe Water: Ensuring access to clean drinking water can drastically reduce transmission (Antonio et al., 2019).
- Community Treatment Programs: Mass drug administration with praziquantel, the drug of choice for treating schistosomiasis, has been implemented in several endemic regions to reduce prevalence (WHO, 2020).

Influenza: Challenges and Seasonal Vaccination

Overview of Influenza
Influenza is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Influenza viruses can change and mutate rapidly, which poses both an annual public health challenge and a persistent risk (Paules et al., 2018). The infection can lead to severe disease, particularly in high-risk populations, making annual vaccination essential.
Challenges of (Re)Vaccination
The nature of influenza viruses necessitates annual formulation of vaccines, since their genetic variability can lead to different circulating strains every year. Public health organizations monitor these changes to update vaccines effectively (Paules et al., 2018). Consequently, vaccination campaigns are pivotal.
Public Health Strategies
Strategies to combat influenza involve:
- Annual Vaccination Programs: Health authorities worldwide promote yearly vaccinations, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems (Cavallino, 2020).
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on influenza symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of vaccination programs serves to enhance community compliance (WHO, 2019).

Antibiotic Resistance: Rise of Resistant Bacteria

Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a grave global public health challenge that arises from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them (Frieri et al., 2017). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that antibiotic-resistant infections result in over 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone (CDC, 2019).
Preventive Measures for Antibiotic Resistance
Efforts to combat antibiotic resistance focus on both individual practices and systemic healthcare policies:
- Responsible Antibiotic Use: Patients are encouraged to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of resistance development (Frieri et al., 2017).
- Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Healthcare facilities implement strategies to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics. These programs involve guidelines to minimize unnecessary prescriptions and foster a culture of responsible medication use (Murray et al., 2021).
- Public Hygiene Education: Practicing good hygiene (e.g., handwashing, safe food preparation) is vital to prevent infections (Frieri et al., 2017).

Conclusion

Bilharzia and influenza, along with the antibiotic resistance crisis, epitomize the intersection of infectious diseases with public health. Understanding the transmission mechanisms, preventive strategies, and the importance of vaccinations can significantly enhance public health responses. Interventions require continuous adaptation due to evolving pathogens and changing epidemiological landscapes. Collaborations among international health organizations, governments, and communities will be critical in combating these health threats effectively.

References

1. Antonio, L. M., et al. (2019). "Improving access to safe drinking water: A critical factor in controlling schistosomiasis." Health Policy and Planning, 34(6), 469-477.
2. Cavallino, N. (2020). "Seasonal Influenza Vaccination." Journal of Infectious Diseases, 222(4), 616-619.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). "Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019."
4. Farley, J. (2017). "Bilharzia: A problem of ‘Native Health’, 1900–1950." In Imperial Medicine and Indigenous Societies. Manchester University Press.
5. Frieri, M., Kumar, K., & Boutin, A. (2017). "Antibiotic resistance." Journal of Infection and Public Health, 10(4), 369-378.
6. Murray, C. J. L., et al. (2021). "Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis." The Lancet, 399(10325), 629-655.
7. Paules, C. I., Sullivan, S. G., Subbarao, K., & Fauci, A. S. (2018). "Chasing seasonal influenza—the need for a universal influenza vaccine." New England Journal of Medicine, 378(1), 7-9.
8. Tchuenté, L. A. T., et al. (2017). "Schistosomiasis in Africa." Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3(1), 1-19.
9. World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). "Vaccines against influenza: WHO position paper." Weekly Epidemiological Record, 94(19), 193-224.
10. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). "Schistosomiasis." Retrieved from [WHO website link].
This essay synthesizes information about bilharzia, influenza, and antibiotic resistance, offering insights into their public health implications.