Microbes are essential for human health and vital to various bodily functions. One example illustrating the benefits of microbes is their role in the human gut. The gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms that help in digestion, produce essential vitamins, and contribute to the development of the immune system (Morais et al., 2021). A balance in gut microbiota is crucial for overall health. Removing or disturbing the natural microbiota balance can lead to disease development. For example, overusing antibiotics may disturb the balance and result in Clostridium difficile infection, causing intense diarrhea and colon inflammation (Morais et al., 2021).
Various ways pathogens can enter the human body include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary tracts and penetration through the skin (Schmid-Hempel, 2021). Once inside the host, pathogens may adhere to host cells and tissues, evade the immune system, and multiply. They can then spread to other sites within the host, causing damage and disease. Pathogens may exit the host through different portals, such as respiratory secretions, feces, urine, blood, or bodily fluids (Schmid-Hempel, 2021). Adopting measures to control infection can contribute to lowering the risk of transmitting pathogens.
Governments establish various policies to prevent disease spread during a pandemic at the local, state, and federal levels. Examples include quarantine and isolation guidelines, travel restrictions, and the distribution of vaccines (Gostin & Wiley, 2020). Additionally, governments may mandate personal protective equipment, enforce social distancing measures, and regulate public gatherings. These policies aim to slow the spread of the disease, reduce the strain on healthcare systems, and protect public health.
While some critics argue that HIV does not cause AIDS, Koch’s postulates have been mainly fulfilled for HIV as the causative agent leading to AIDS development. HIV has been consistently found in people with AIDS, and when isolated and introduced into a new host, it can cause a similar disease (Oldstone, 2020). Additionally, the virus can be re-isolated from the newly infected host. Research has demonstrated a significant association between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS, while antiretroviral treatments aimed at HIV have successfully impeded disease progression (Oldstone, 2020).
References
Gostin, L. O., & Wiley, L. F. (2020). Governmental public health powers during the COVID-19 pandemic: stay-at-home orders, business closures, and travel restrictions. Jama, 323(21), 2137-2138. Web.
Morais, L. H., Schreiber IV, H. L., & Mazmanian, S. K. (2021). The gut microbiota–brain axis in behaviour and brain disorders. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 19(4), 241-255.
Oldstone, M. B. (2020). Viruses, plagues, and history: past, present, and future. Oxford University Press.
Schmid-Hempel, P. (2021). Evolutionary parasitology: the integrated study of infections, immunology, ecology, and genetics. Oxford University Press.