Classifying Diseases Trivia Quiz

Answer: Viral

The medical term for measles is morbilli, derived from the name of the virus which causes the disease - Morbillivirus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. Measles can be a serious condition, leading to death, particularly in young children. The disease is characterised by spots, which appear on the head before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash is accompanied by a high fever and cold like symptoms, and the virus can also attack the eyes, leading to blindness in some cases. Death is often due to respiratory issues.

A vaccine was developed in the 1960s and is now offered routinely, often in combination with mumps and rubella (German measles) as the MMR vaccine. This has drastically reduced the incidence of the disease and mortality, at least in the developed world.

Answer: Viral

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and is most often caused by a viral infection. These are identified by different letters, with the means of transmission being, in general terms, the distinguishing feature. Hepatitis A is transmitted via food or drink contaminated by faecal matter containing the virus, while hepatitis B and C are transmitted by blood. Hepatitis D can be caught via blood or during sex, but needs the person to already have hepatitis B as D cannot survive without it. Hepatitis E is transmitted by undercooked or raw meat.

The symptoms of each are similar, with jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) being the most obvious, while fatigue and joint pain can also be signs. Vaccination is available against some types of these viruses and is recommended for those who may be at risk, such as those in the healthcare sector.

Answer: Viral

Like malaria, dengue fever (sometimes just called dengue) is spread to humans by mosquitoes and is particularly prevalent in tropical areas of the world. Europe isn't completely immune, though, with cases found in Croatia, Spain and Italy in the summer months.

The virus is spread when an infected mosquito bites a human causing symptoms which include a high fever, severe headaches, especially behind the eyes, and aching in joints and muscles - an old name for the disease was break-bone fever. There is no specific treatment with pain relief being the focus of caring for a patient. A second infection can be much more serious, and a vaccine is available for those who have had a previous attack and live in an area where the illness is common. Prevention is the best option if visiting countries where dengue fever is known to be rife.

Answer: Viral

Rabies is caused by a virus which is transmitted to humans by an infected animal by biting, scratching or licking a vulnerable part of the body such as an open wound or the mouth. It is spread by mammals with dogs, foxes and bats among those which can infect humans.

It is rare in the western world but some areas of Asia and Africa, along with Central and South America, are higher risk. The virus affects the nervous system and brain and is likely to cause death if left untreated. Early treatment is vital with a series of injections being the usual course. Preventative vaccines prior to travel are recommended for those travelling to remote areas in countries where rabies is common and where medical treatment is unlikely to be immediately available.

Answer: Bacterial

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia, which causes inflammation of the lungs. The legionella bacteria which cause it are found in water or damp areas. The bacteria can lurk in showerheads and air conditioning units, while other forms are found in soil. Outbreaks are usually linked to one source and tend to be isolated as a result.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue and shortness of breath. The illness is treated by antibiotics. The name comes from the first outbreak to be identified when nearly thirty men who had attended a convention in Philadelphia died suddenly. The cause was tracked down to the hotel where the men, members of the American Legion, had assembled.

Answer: Bacterial

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium which causes this once prevalent disease. It is spread in the air by an infected person who coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into their surroundings. Long term exposure, such as living with someone with the disease, is the biggest risk The lungs are the most likely to be affected by tuberculosis (TB) but the bones and glands can sometimes become infected.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, sweating at night and unexplained weight loss. Treatment by antibiotics means that TB is no longer the major killer that it once was. Victorian era literature is full of references to consumption and the disease mas a major killer of young people - both Anne and Emily Bronte died from it as did poet John Keats. A vaccine (BCG) is available but is not given routinely in the western world as TB is considered to be rare.

Answer: Bacterial

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, bacteria which affect the intestines causing diarrhoea, vomiting and even death in severe cases. The bacteria live in water and can be passed on to humans who drink contaminated water or eat foods from infected sources. It can also be passed from person to person if an infected person handles food.

It is uncommon in countries with efficient sewage removal and water treatment systems, but can be picked up when travelling. Cholera outbreaks were common in prisoner of war camps during the world wars and can still occur in places such as refugee camps. Anyway where people are crammed together can lead to outbreaks.

Answer: Bacterial

Clostridium botulinum bacteria are the cause of this disease, which can be fatal if not treated. The bacteria create toxins which attack the nervous system causing paralysis. The main danger is if the muscles controlling breathing are involved.

The bacteria are found in dirt and dust and can be ingested by humans in contaminated food. They can also invade the human body through a wound and are a risk to drug users who inject. Even more rare is infant botulism where a baby under a year is infected, as the immune system is not fully developed. Symptoms of the disease are often seen in the face, where damaged muscles cause drooping in the eyelids and other facial muscles. Treatment is by anti-toxins coupled with support for bodily functions as needed.

Answer: Genetic

Fortunately, this is a rare disease and can only be inherited if both parents are carriers. It affects the brain and nervous system due to the lack of an enzyme which would normally break down gangliosides, a form of fat. The deposits build up in the nerves and prevent normal functioning of the nervous system.

It is most often found early in life, diagnosed in babies aged three to six months. Symptoms include delays in reaching milestones and/or regressing from skills already reached, general 'floppiness' and problems with swallowing. The disease leads to paralysis and life expectancy is poor. As with all diseases, research is ongoing in the hope of finding an effective treatment but a breakthrough still eludes medicine in the first quarter of the twenty-first century.

Answer: Genetic

There are various types of muscular dystrophy, some less problematic than others, but Duchenne (DMD) is both the most common and most serious. It affects boys primarily since, as in some other genetic diseases, girls have the protection of having two X genes. As the name suggests, the disease affects the muscles and is usually diagnosed between the ages of a year and three years when the child has difficulty in standing and moving.

By the time a sufferer reaches their teens they are likely to need a wheelchair and the progressive nature of DMD means that the heart and respiratory muscles become affected, leading to premature death. Even in the first quarter of the twenty-first century most sufferers die before the age of forty.

Answer: Genetic

Perhaps the best known of the genetic diseases, haemophilia affects mostly males who lack some of the platelets which stop blood loss by forming clots. Females do not usually have the problems associated with haemophilia - having two X chromosomes is protection - but can be carriers and pass the faulty gene to their male children.

Symptoms are bruises which are caused easily and are slow to heal, bleeding gums and wounds where blood continues flowing for too long. Modern day treatments include artificial blood clotting injections, given regularly to those with severe cases and only when needed for anyone with milder symptoms.

Answer: Genetic

As with most of the genetic diseases, both parents need to carry the faulty gene which causes cystic fibrosis to pass it on to their child. Cystic fibrosis causes problems with the amount of salt and water passing to and from the cells. One of the tests for the disease is the sweat test which measures the amount of salt in a person's sweat. Above average levels are an indicator.

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, which causes excess mucus to be produced, especially in the lungs. Antibiotics can be prescribed and various treatments to help clear the airways are available. The condition can also prevent proper working of the pancreas, which produces vital enzymes for digestion. Sufferers cannot always digest food properly leading to issues of malnutrition and osteoporosis. Diabetes is also possible, due to reduced levels of insulin.