Comprehensive General Knowledge on Diseases
The article below is a summation of general knowledge on diseases, its types, causes, names of pathogens causing diseases, common and medical names of diseases, rare diseases, syndromes, hormonal disorders and also a quiz to test yourself.
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Table of Contents
- Diseases and their causes?
- Types of Diseases?
- What are Pathogens?
- Names of Viruses & Diseases
- Names of Bacteria & Diseases
- Names of Other Organisms & Diseases
- What are Deficiency Diseases?
- List of Deficiency Diseases
- Common and Alternate Names of Diseases
- Why is Leprosy also known as Hansen's Disease?
- Why is Rabies also known as Hydrophobia?
- Why is Tetanus also known as Lockjaw?
- Diseases and Body Parts Affected?
- Metal and Mineral Poisoning Diseases
- Interesting Facts about Poisoning Diseases
- What are vectors?
- What are Zoonotic Diseases?
- Diseases Transmitted by Animals
- Rare Disorders and Conditions
- Hormone Related Diseases
- Endemic, Epidemic and Pandemic
The study of diseases is called Pathology.
What is a disease?: A disease is a medical condition or disorder that negatively affects the structure or function of an organism. It leads to impaired physiological processes and often has characteristic symptoms.
Causes of Diseases: Diseases can arise due to various factors, including pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), genetic mutations, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or a combination of these factors.
Types of Diseases and Examples
Type of Disease Examples
Congenital diseases Hare lip, club foot, mongolism, spastic paraplegia Hereditary diseases Haemophilia, albinism Dietary deficiency diseases Scurvy, rickets, beri-beri, anaemia Hormonal diseases Goitre, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, dwarfism Infectious diseases (VIRAL) AIDS, chicken pox, common cold, german measles, influenza, jaundice, measles, mumps, poliomyelitis, rabies, dengue fever, lassa fever Infectious diseases (BACTERIAL) cholera, whooping cough, diptheria, gonorrhoea, leprosy, pneumonia, syphilis, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis, plague Infectious diseases (FUNGAL) ringworm, atheletes’ foot, thrush Infectious diseases (PROTOZOAN) malaria, amoebic dysentery, sleeping sickness, kala-azar Infectious diseases (WORMS) filaria, tapeworm, pinworm Degenerative diseases graying of hair, baldness, presbyopia, cataract, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, arteriosclerosis Immunological diseases hay fever, asthma, rheumatoid, arthritis, nettle rash Neoplastic diseases warts, moles, cancer
What are Pathogens?
Pathogens are microorganisms or agents that cause disease in their host organisms. They can be biological entities such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. These microorganisms have the ability to invade the host's tissues, multiply, and disrupt normal physiological processes, leading to the development of a disease.
Different pathogens have different mechanisms of infection and modes of transmission. For example, bacteria like Escherichia coli can cause infections when ingested through contaminated food or water, viruses like Influenza can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, and parasites like Plasmodium species which are the causative agents of malaria can be transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Names of Viruses and Diseases
#
Virus
Disease caused
1. Human immunodeficiency virus AIDS 2. Varicella zoster Chicken Pox 3. Rubella (virus) German Measles 4. Rubeola (virus) Measles 5. Influenza type H1N1 Swine Flu 6. Influenza type H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird flu) 7. Hepatitis virus type A, B, C, D or E Viral Hepatitis 8. Polio virus Poliomyelitis 9. Dengue virus (DENV) Dengue 10. Rabies lyssavirus Rabies
Names of Bacteria and Diseases
#
Bacteria
Disease caused
1. Vibrio cholerae Cholera 2. Bordetella pertussis Whooping Cough 3. Cornebacterium diphtheriae Diphtheria 4. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Gonorrhea 5. Mycobacterium leprae Leprosy 6. Treponema pallidum Syphillis 7. Clostridium tetani Tetanus 8. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia 9. Salmonella typhi Typhoid 10. Salmonella paratyphi Paratyphoid 11. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tuberculosis 12. Yersinia Pestis Plague
Names of Other Organisms and Diseases
#
Organism
Disease caused
1. Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium falciparum Malaria 2. Trypanosoma brucei Sleeping sickness 3. Trychophyton rubrum Ringworm, Athlete's foot 4. Leishmania Kala Azar 5. Leptospira Leptospirosis
Deficiency Diseases and Conditions
What are Deficiency Diseases?
Deficiency diseases are health conditions that arise due to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential compounds required for proper bodily functions. Deficiency diseases can result in a range of symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, impaired growth, and compromised immune function. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are crucial in preventing these diseases, ensuring optimal health and well-being for individuals of all ages.
Given below are the names of certain diseases and disorders resulting from deficiency of essential nutrients.
LIST OF DEFICIENCY DISEASES
#
Name of the disease
Linked with the deficiency of
1. Night Blindness Vitamin A 2. Beri Beri Vitamin B 3. Scurvy Vitamin C 4. Rickets Vitamin D 5. Sterility Vitamin E 6. Impaired blood clotting Vitamin K 7. Anaemia Iron 8. Osteoporosis Calcium 9. Goitre Iodine 10. Kwashiorkor Protein 11. Xeropthalmia Vitamin A 12. Hypokalemia Potassium 13. Hyponatremia Sodium 14. Hypomagnesemia Magnesium 15. Pellagra Niacin
Common and Alternative Names of Diseases
Common Name Alternative Name Leprosy Hansen's disease Heart Attack Myocardial infarction Rabies Hydrophobia Blood Cancer Leukemia Baldness Alopecia Whooping Cough Pertussis Short-sight Myopia Long-sight Hypermetropia Night blindness Nyctalopia Rabbit fever Tularemia Colour-blindness Achromatopsia Lazy eye Amblyopia Chicken pox Varicella Plague Black death Tetanus Lockjaw German measles Rubella Mumps Parotitis Athlete's Foot Tinea Pedis Kala Azar, Black Fever, Dumdum Fever Visceral leishmaniasis Sleeping Sickness Human African trypanosomiasis
Why is Leprosy also known as Hansen's Disease?
Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease to honor the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who discovered that a bacterium was responsible for causing the disease. In 1873, Hansen, while working as a young physician at the St. George's Hospital in Bergen, Norway, observed rod-shaped bacteria under a microscope in skin tissue samples taken from leprosy patients. He named the bacterium "Mycobacterium leprae" in honor of its association with the condition.
Why is Rabies also known as Hydrophobia?
Rabies is also known as hydrophobia due to one of its characteristic symptoms. Hydrophobia refers to an intense fear of water or the inability to drink water, and it is a prominent feature of the disease in its later stages.
Why is Tetanus also known as Lockjaw?
Tetanus is known as lockjaw because one of its main symptoms is severe muscle spasms and stiffness in the jaw muscles, leading to the inability to open the mouth or swallow. This condition is called lockjaw due to the jaw muscles becoming tight and "locked" in position.
Diseases and Body Parts Affected
#
Disease
Body part affected
1. Alzheimer's Disease Brain (memory functions) 2. Arthritis Joints 3. Asthma Lungs 4. Colitis Colon 5. Conjunctivitis Eyes 6. COVID-19 Respiratory system 7. Diphtheria Respiratory tract 8. Eczema Skin 9. Gingivitis Gums 10. Glaucoma Eyes 11. Goitre Thyroid 12. Grave's Diseases Thyroid 13. Jaundice Liver 14. Leprosy Skin and Peripheral nerves 15. Leukemia Bone marrow (cancer) 16. Malaria Spleen 17. Melanoma Skin (cancer) 18. Otitis Ears 19. Parkinson's Disease Brain (motor functions) 20. Psoriasis Skin 21. Rabies Central nervous system 22. Rickets Bones 23. Scurvy Gums 24. Tetanus Skeletal Muscles 25. Typhoid Intestine 26. Trachoma Eyes 27. Vitiligo Skin
Metal & Mineral Poisoning Diseases
Name of the disease
Poisoning effect of
Plumbism Lead Itai Itai Cadmium Mad Hatter's Disease (Erethism) Mercury Minamata Disease Mercury Byssinosis (Brown Lung disease) Cotton Dust Mesothelioma Asbestos White Lung disease Asbestos Black Lung disease Coal dust Silicosis Silica Dust Siderosis Iron Dust
Interesting Facts
Minamata Disease is so named because it was first discovered in Minamata city of Japan in 1956.
It is a neurological condition caused due to the effects of methylmercury which was released in the industrial wastewater from a chemical factory. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated and biomagnified in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea. The local population consumed the fish and were severely affected by the disease.
Itai Itai meaning "It hurts, It hurts" in Japanese was the name coined by locals in Toyoma in Japan where it first occurred in 1912. Itai-itai disease mainly affects women residing in rice farming areas irrigated by the contaminated Jinzu River in Toyama. The disease is characterised by osteomalaecia with severe bone pain and is associated with renal tubular dysfunction.
Mad Hatter's disease Mercury was used in hat making in the 19th century and hat makers who inhaled mercury vapours exhibited symptoms of the disease and hence the name. Affected persons exhibit symptoms like vomiting, skin rashes, tremors, twitching, and excitability.
What are Vectors?
Vectors are living organisms that can transmit pathogens from one host to another. They act as intermediaries in the transmission of infectious diseases, transporting the pathogen from an infected individual (the reservoir) to a susceptible individual (the new host). Vectors can be arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, or other animals, such as rodents.
Vector-borne diseases are commonly associated with insect or arthropod vectors that act as carriers for pathogens. For example, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus, while ticks are responsible for spreading Lyme disease.
Zoonotic Diseases and Reservoirs and Carriers
Diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa are called zoonotic diseases.
Reservoirs and Carriers: Animals that carry zoonotic diseases without necessarily transmitting them to other hosts are considered reservoirs or carriers. These animals may host the infectious agents in their bodies and can serve as a source of infection for humans and other animals. However, they do not play an active role in transmitting the disease from one individual to another. For example, rodents can be reservoirs for hantaviruses, and birds can be reservoirs for avian influenza.
The table below gives the names of vectors/reservoirs and associated diseases
Diseases transmitted by Animals
Animal/Bird/Insect
Disease
Tsetse fly Sleeping Sickness Sand fly Kala Azar Anopheles mosquito Malaria Aedes Mosquito Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya Culex Mosquito West Nile Fever Rodents Bubonic Plague Rodents Leptospirosis Rodents Hantavirus Syndromes Dogs, Bats, Raccoons Rabies Animals in general Anthrax Rabbits, Hares & Rodents Tularemia Poultry Avian Influenza or Bird Flu Pigs (through Culex mosquitoes) Japanese Encephalitis Ticks Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Lyme Fruit bats Nipah virus infection
Rare Disorders and Conditions
Disorder Feature Parkinson's Disease It is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs motor skills, cognitive processes, and other functions. Alzheimer's Disease It is form of dementia characterised by loss of memory, thinking, and changes in behavior. Down's Syndrome Also called Trisomy 21, it is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. Korsakoff's Syndrome It is a neurological disorder caused by the lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the brain. Bulimia It is an eating disorder characterized by restraining of food intake for a period of time followed by an over intake or binging period that results in feelings of guilt and low self-esteem. Anorexia It is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight, often coupled with a distorted self image Progeria It is an extremely rare genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age. Dyslexia It is a developmental reading disorder resulting from the inability to process graphic symbols.
Hormone related Diseases
Diseases
Brief details
Graves Disease Named after Robert Graves, the doctor who first described it, is an autoimmune thyroid disease where the thyroid gland is stimulated by autoantibodies which make it overactive, resulting in increased thyroid hormone production. Addison's Disease Addison's disease is caused by damage to the adrenal glands which make hormones to control the body’s response to stress and balance body salt and water. Diabetes Mellitus It is common condition in which the body is unable to produce enough of hormone insulin resulting in high levels of sugar in bloodstream. Acromegaly It is a condition caused by the overproduction of growth hormone. It leads to an increase in size of the hands and feet, thickening of the skin and a change in the appearance of the face. Cushing's Syndrome Caused due to excess production of hormone Cortisol or by taking excess steroid medication to treat conditions like asthma, eczema etc.
Endemic, Epidemic & Pandemic
Endemic.
An endemic disease is the one that is consistently present but limited to a particular region or area. Like malaria which is consistently present in Africa and Asia or Chagas diseses which is endemic to Latin America.
Epidemic:
An epidemic is said to occur when there is an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.
Pandemic:
A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease. This may happen due to a new type or new strain of a virus, bacteria etc.
Quiz on Diseases
Score 0
Question
1. Which of the following is a bacterial disease?
2. What kind of disease is osteoarthritis?
3. Which of the following is a hereditary disease?
4. Which of the following is a viral disease?
5. What is the causative agent of malaria?
6. Which of the following is NOT an infectious disease?
7. Which of the following is a fungal disease?
8. What kind of disease is arthritis?
9. Which disease is caused by Bordetella pertussis?
10. Which of these causes Chicken Pox?
11. Trypanozoma brucei is responsible for causing which disease?
12. Trychophyton rubrum causes which of the following diseases?
13. The virus named DENV is responsible for which disease?
14. Which of the following is the causative agent of Syphillis?
15. Which of the following is the causative agent of Plague?
16. Which of the following is the causative agent of Malaria?
17. Deficiency of which mineral causes goitre?
18. Deficiency of niacin causes which of the following conditions?
19. Rickets is a disease caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?
20. A diet deficient in vitamin A is likely to cause which of the following diseases?
21. Deficiency of which mineral causes anaemia?
22. Kwashiorkar is a condition caused by the deficiency of which of the following nutrients?
23. By which name is Pertusis commonly known?
24. Amblyopia is the other name for which condition?
25. If a man has myocardial infarction, he has?
26. Which disease was commonly known as Black Death?
27. Alopecia is more commonly known as -
28. A man suffering from Lockjaw is to be treated for which disease?
29. Which of the following is the common name for Myopia?
30. Which disease is also known as Hansen's disease?
31. Which of the following glands is related to Grave's disease?
32. The disorder which affects the motor functions of the brain is -
33. Which organ is chiefly affected by typhoid?
34. Which of the following is a disease of the gums?
35. Which of the following is affected by Psoriasis?
36. Which of the following chiefly affects the central nervous system?
37. Melanoma is a type of cancer affecting which part of the body?
38. Which of the following is caused due to contamination by Mercury?
39. Black Lung disease is caused by the poisoning effect of -
40. Which disease is caused by the poisoning effect of Cadmium?
41. Byssinosis is caused due to which of the following?
42. Mesothelioma is a disease caused by the poisoning effect of -
43. White lung disease is caused due to the poisoning effect of -
44. Which of the following diseases is transmitted through rodents?
45. Which of the following causes sleeping sickness?
46. Dengue and chikungunya are mainly transmitted through the bites of which mosquitoes?
47. Which animals are associated with the transmission of Japanese Encephalitis?
48. Which of the following animals is associated with the spread of tularemia?
49. Which of the following is the cause of the disease kala azar?
50. Which of the following is also known as Trisomy 21?
51. Which of the following is an eating disorder?
52. Which of the following is caused due to excess production of hormone cortisol?
53. Which of the following is a reading disorder?
54. Grave's disease is associated with the overactivity of which gland?
55. In which disorder, symptoms of ageing appear at an early age?
56. Which of the following is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B1?
Table of Contents
- Diseases and their causes?
- Types of Diseases?
- What are Pathogens?
- Names of Viruses & Diseases
- Names of Bacteria & Diseases
- Names of Other Organisms & Diseases
- What are Deficiency Diseases?
- List of Deficiency Diseases
- Common and Alternate Names of Diseases
- Why is Leprosy also known as Hansen's Disease?
- Why is Rabies also known as Hydrophobia?
- Why is Tetanus also known as Lockjaw?
- Diseases and Body Parts Affected?
- Metal and Mineral Poisoning Diseases
- Interesting Facts about Poisoning Diseases
- What are vectors?
- What are Zoonotic Diseases?
- Diseases Transmitted by Animals
- Rare Disorders and Conditions
- Hormone Related Diseases
- Endemic, Epidemic and Pandemic
The study of diseases is called Pathology.
What is a disease?: A disease is a medical condition or disorder that negatively affects the structure or function of an organism. It leads to impaired physiological processes and often has characteristic symptoms.
Causes of Diseases: Diseases can arise due to various factors, including pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), genetic mutations, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, or a combination of these factors.
Types of Diseases and Examples
| Type of Disease | Examples |
|---|---|
| Congenital diseases | Hare lip, club foot, mongolism, spastic paraplegia |
| Hereditary diseases | Haemophilia, albinism |
| Dietary deficiency diseases | Scurvy, rickets, beri-beri, anaemia |
| Hormonal diseases | Goitre, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, dwarfism |
| Infectious diseases (VIRAL) | AIDS, chicken pox, common cold, german measles, influenza, jaundice, measles, mumps, poliomyelitis, rabies, dengue fever, lassa fever |
| Infectious diseases (BACTERIAL) | cholera, whooping cough, diptheria, gonorrhoea, leprosy, pneumonia, syphilis, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis, plague |
| Infectious diseases (FUNGAL) | ringworm, atheletes’ foot, thrush |
| Infectious diseases (PROTOZOAN) | malaria, amoebic dysentery, sleeping sickness, kala-azar |
| Infectious diseases (WORMS) | filaria, tapeworm, pinworm |
| Degenerative diseases | graying of hair, baldness, presbyopia, cataract, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, arteriosclerosis |
| Immunological diseases | hay fever, asthma, rheumatoid, arthritis, nettle rash |
| Neoplastic diseases | warts, moles, cancer |
What are Pathogens?
Pathogens are microorganisms or agents that cause disease in their host organisms. They can be biological entities such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. These microorganisms have the ability to invade the host's tissues, multiply, and disrupt normal physiological processes, leading to the development of a disease.
Different pathogens have different mechanisms of infection and modes of transmission. For example, bacteria like Escherichia coli can cause infections when ingested through contaminated food or water, viruses like Influenza can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, and parasites like Plasmodium species which are the causative agents of malaria can be transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Names of Viruses and Diseases
| # | Virus | Disease caused |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Human immunodeficiency virus | AIDS |
| 2. | Varicella zoster | Chicken Pox |
| 3. | Rubella (virus) | German Measles |
| 4. | Rubeola (virus) | Measles |
| 5. | Influenza type H1N1 | Swine Flu |
| 6. | Influenza type H5N1 | Avian Influenza (Bird flu) |
| 7. | Hepatitis virus type A, B, C, D or E | Viral Hepatitis |
| 8. | Polio virus | Poliomyelitis |
| 9. | Dengue virus (DENV) | Dengue |
| 10. | Rabies lyssavirus | Rabies |
Names of Bacteria and Diseases
| # | Bacteria | Disease caused |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Vibrio cholerae | Cholera |
| 2. | Bordetella pertussis | Whooping Cough |
| 3. | Cornebacterium diphtheriae | Diphtheria |
| 4. | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Gonorrhea |
| 5. | Mycobacterium leprae | Leprosy |
| 6. | Treponema pallidum | Syphillis |
| 7. | Clostridium tetani | Tetanus |
| 8. | Mycoplasma pneumoniae | Pneumonia |
| 9. | Salmonella typhi | Typhoid |
| 10. | Salmonella paratyphi | Paratyphoid |
| 11. | Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Tuberculosis |
| 12. | Yersinia Pestis | Plague |
Names of Other Organisms and Diseases
| # | Organism | Disease caused |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium falciparum | Malaria |
| 2. | Trypanosoma brucei | Sleeping sickness |
| 3. | Trychophyton rubrum | Ringworm, Athlete's foot |
| 4. | Leishmania | Kala Azar |
| 5. | Leptospira | Leptospirosis |
Deficiency Diseases and Conditions
What are Deficiency Diseases?
Deficiency diseases are health conditions that arise due to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential compounds required for proper bodily functions. Deficiency diseases can result in a range of symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, impaired growth, and compromised immune function. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are crucial in preventing these diseases, ensuring optimal health and well-being for individuals of all ages.
Given below are the names of certain diseases and disorders resulting from deficiency of essential nutrients.
LIST OF DEFICIENCY DISEASES
| # | Name of the disease | Linked with the deficiency of |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Night Blindness | Vitamin A |
| 2. | Beri Beri | Vitamin B |
| 3. | Scurvy | Vitamin C |
| 4. | Rickets | Vitamin D |
| 5. | Sterility | Vitamin E |
| 6. | Impaired blood clotting | Vitamin K |
| 7. | Anaemia | Iron |
| 8. | Osteoporosis | Calcium |
| 9. | Goitre | Iodine |
| 10. | Kwashiorkor | Protein |
| 11. | Xeropthalmia | Vitamin A |
| 12. | Hypokalemia | Potassium |
| 13. | Hyponatremia | Sodium |
| 14. | Hypomagnesemia | Magnesium |
| 15. | Pellagra | Niacin |
Common and Alternative Names of Diseases
| Common Name | Alternative Name |
|---|---|
| Leprosy | Hansen's disease |
| Heart Attack | Myocardial infarction |
| Rabies | Hydrophobia |
| Blood Cancer | Leukemia |
| Baldness | Alopecia |
| Whooping Cough | Pertussis |
| Short-sight | Myopia |
| Long-sight | Hypermetropia |
| Night blindness | Nyctalopia |
| Rabbit fever | Tularemia |
| Colour-blindness | Achromatopsia |
| Lazy eye | Amblyopia |
| Chicken pox | Varicella |
| Plague | Black death |
| Tetanus | Lockjaw |
| German measles | Rubella |
| Mumps | Parotitis |
| Athlete's Foot | Tinea Pedis |
| Kala Azar, Black Fever, Dumdum Fever | Visceral leishmaniasis |
| Sleeping Sickness | Human African trypanosomiasis |
Why is Leprosy also known as Hansen's Disease?
Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease to honor the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who discovered that a bacterium was responsible for causing the disease. In 1873, Hansen, while working as a young physician at the St. George's Hospital in Bergen, Norway, observed rod-shaped bacteria under a microscope in skin tissue samples taken from leprosy patients. He named the bacterium "Mycobacterium leprae" in honor of its association with the condition.
Why is Rabies also known as Hydrophobia?
Rabies is also known as hydrophobia due to one of its characteristic symptoms. Hydrophobia refers to an intense fear of water or the inability to drink water, and it is a prominent feature of the disease in its later stages.
Why is Tetanus also known as Lockjaw?
Tetanus is known as lockjaw because one of its main symptoms is severe muscle spasms and stiffness in the jaw muscles, leading to the inability to open the mouth or swallow. This condition is called lockjaw due to the jaw muscles becoming tight and "locked" in position.
Diseases and Body Parts Affected
| # | Disease | Body part affected |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Alzheimer's Disease | Brain (memory functions) |
| 2. | Arthritis | Joints |
| 3. | Asthma | Lungs |
| 4. | Colitis | Colon |
| 5. | Conjunctivitis | Eyes |
| 6. | COVID-19 | Respiratory system |
| 7. | Diphtheria | Respiratory tract |
| 8. | Eczema | Skin |
| 9. | Gingivitis | Gums |
| 10. | Glaucoma | Eyes |
| 11. | Goitre | Thyroid |
| 12. | Grave's Diseases | Thyroid |
| 13. | Jaundice | Liver |
| 14. | Leprosy | Skin and Peripheral nerves |
| 15. | Leukemia | Bone marrow (cancer) |
| 16. | Malaria | Spleen |
| 17. | Melanoma | Skin (cancer) |
| 18. | Otitis | Ears |
| 19. | Parkinson's Disease | Brain (motor functions) |
| 20. | Psoriasis | Skin |
| 21. | Rabies | Central nervous system |
| 22. | Rickets | Bones |
| 23. | Scurvy | Gums |
| 24. | Tetanus | Skeletal Muscles |
| 25. | Typhoid | Intestine |
| 26. | Trachoma | Eyes |
| 27. | Vitiligo | Skin |
Metal & Mineral Poisoning Diseases
| Name of the disease | Poisoning effect of |
|---|---|
| Plumbism | Lead |
| Itai Itai | Cadmium |
| Mad Hatter's Disease (Erethism) | Mercury |
| Minamata Disease | Mercury |
| Byssinosis (Brown Lung disease) | Cotton Dust |
| Mesothelioma | Asbestos |
| White Lung disease | Asbestos |
| Black Lung disease | Coal dust |
| Silicosis | Silica Dust |
| Siderosis | Iron Dust |
Interesting Facts
Minamata Disease is so named because it was first discovered in Minamata city of Japan in 1956. It is a neurological condition caused due to the effects of methylmercury which was released in the industrial wastewater from a chemical factory. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated and biomagnified in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea. The local population consumed the fish and were severely affected by the disease.
Itai Itai meaning "It hurts, It hurts" in Japanese was the name coined by locals in Toyoma in Japan where it first occurred in 1912. Itai-itai disease mainly affects women residing in rice farming areas irrigated by the contaminated Jinzu River in Toyama. The disease is characterised by osteomalaecia with severe bone pain and is associated with renal tubular dysfunction.
Mad Hatter's disease Mercury was used in hat making in the 19th century and hat makers who inhaled mercury vapours exhibited symptoms of the disease and hence the name. Affected persons exhibit symptoms like vomiting, skin rashes, tremors, twitching, and excitability.
What are Vectors?
Vectors are living organisms that can transmit pathogens from one host to another. They act as intermediaries in the transmission of infectious diseases, transporting the pathogen from an infected individual (the reservoir) to a susceptible individual (the new host). Vectors can be arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, or other animals, such as rodents.
Vector-borne diseases are commonly associated with insect or arthropod vectors that act as carriers for pathogens. For example, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus, while ticks are responsible for spreading Lyme disease.
Zoonotic Diseases and Reservoirs and Carriers
Diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice-versa are called zoonotic diseases.
Reservoirs and Carriers: Animals that carry zoonotic diseases without necessarily transmitting them to other hosts are considered reservoirs or carriers. These animals may host the infectious agents in their bodies and can serve as a source of infection for humans and other animals. However, they do not play an active role in transmitting the disease from one individual to another. For example, rodents can be reservoirs for hantaviruses, and birds can be reservoirs for avian influenza.
The table below gives the names of vectors/reservoirs and associated diseases
Diseases transmitted by Animals
| Animal/Bird/Insect | Disease |
|---|---|
| Tsetse fly | Sleeping Sickness |
| Sand fly | Kala Azar |
| Anopheles mosquito | Malaria |
| Aedes Mosquito | Dengue, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya |
| Culex Mosquito | West Nile Fever |
| Rodents | Bubonic Plague |
| Rodents | Leptospirosis |
| Rodents | Hantavirus Syndromes |
| Dogs, Bats, Raccoons | Rabies |
| Animals in general | Anthrax |
| Rabbits, Hares & Rodents | Tularemia |
| Poultry | Avian Influenza or Bird Flu |
| Pigs (through Culex mosquitoes) | Japanese Encephalitis |
| Ticks | Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Lyme |
| Fruit bats | Nipah virus infection |
Rare Disorders and Conditions
| Disorder | Feature |
|---|---|
| Parkinson's Disease | It is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs motor skills, cognitive processes, and other functions. |
| Alzheimer's Disease | It is form of dementia characterised by loss of memory, thinking, and changes in behavior. |
| Down's Syndrome | Also called Trisomy 21, it is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. |
| Korsakoff's Syndrome | It is a neurological disorder caused by the lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the brain. |
| Bulimia | It is an eating disorder characterized by restraining of food intake for a period of time followed by an over intake or binging period that results in feelings of guilt and low self-esteem. |
| Anorexia | It is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight, often coupled with a distorted self image |
| Progeria | It is an extremely rare genetic condition wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at an early age. |
| Dyslexia | It is a developmental reading disorder resulting from the inability to process graphic symbols. |
Hormone related Diseases
| Diseases | Brief details |
|---|---|
| Graves Disease | Named after Robert Graves, the doctor who first described it, is an autoimmune thyroid disease where the thyroid gland is stimulated by autoantibodies which make it overactive, resulting in increased thyroid hormone production. |
| Addison's Disease | Addison's disease is caused by damage to the adrenal glands which make hormones to control the body’s response to stress and balance body salt and water. |
| Diabetes Mellitus | It is common condition in which the body is unable to produce enough of hormone insulin resulting in high levels of sugar in bloodstream. |
| Acromegaly | It is a condition caused by the overproduction of growth hormone. It leads to an increase in size of the hands and feet, thickening of the skin and a change in the appearance of the face. |
| Cushing's Syndrome | Caused due to excess production of hormone Cortisol or by taking excess steroid medication to treat conditions like asthma, eczema etc. |
Endemic, Epidemic & Pandemic
Endemic.
An endemic disease is the one that is consistently present but limited to a particular region or area. Like malaria which is consistently present in Africa and Asia or Chagas diseses which is endemic to Latin America.
Epidemic:
An epidemic is said to occur when there is an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.
Pandemic:
A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease. This may happen due to a new type or new strain of a virus, bacteria etc.
Quiz on Diseases
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1. Which of the following is a bacterial disease? | |
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2. What kind of disease is osteoarthritis? | |
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3. Which of the following is a hereditary disease? | |
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4. Which of the following is a viral disease? | |
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5. What is the causative agent of malaria? | |
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6. Which of the following is NOT an infectious disease? | |
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7. Which of the following is a fungal disease? | |
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8. What kind of disease is arthritis? | |
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9. Which disease is caused by Bordetella pertussis? | |
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10. Which of these causes Chicken Pox? | |
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11. Trypanozoma brucei is responsible for causing which disease? | |
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12. Trychophyton rubrum causes which of the following diseases? | |
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13. The virus named DENV is responsible for which disease? | |
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14. Which of the following is the causative agent of Syphillis? | |
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15. Which of the following is the causative agent of Plague? | |
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16. Which of the following is the causative agent of Malaria? | |
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17. Deficiency of which mineral causes goitre? | |
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18. Deficiency of niacin causes which of the following conditions? | |
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19. Rickets is a disease caused by the deficiency of which vitamin? | |
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20. A diet deficient in vitamin A is likely to cause which of the following diseases? | |
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21. Deficiency of which mineral causes anaemia? | |
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22. Kwashiorkar is a condition caused by the deficiency of which of the following nutrients? | |
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23. By which name is Pertusis commonly known? | |
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24. Amblyopia is the other name for which condition? | |
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25. If a man has myocardial infarction, he has? | |
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26. Which disease was commonly known as Black Death? | |
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27. Alopecia is more commonly known as - | |
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28. A man suffering from Lockjaw is to be treated for which disease? | |
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29. Which of the following is the common name for Myopia? | |
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30. Which disease is also known as Hansen's disease? | |
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31. Which of the following glands is related to Grave's disease? | |
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32. The disorder which affects the motor functions of the brain is - | |
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33. Which organ is chiefly affected by typhoid? | |
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34. Which of the following is a disease of the gums? | |
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35. Which of the following is affected by Psoriasis? | |
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36. Which of the following chiefly affects the central nervous system? | |
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37. Melanoma is a type of cancer affecting which part of the body? | |
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38. Which of the following is caused due to contamination by Mercury? | |
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39. Black Lung disease is caused by the poisoning effect of - | |
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40. Which disease is caused by the poisoning effect of Cadmium? | |
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41. Byssinosis is caused due to which of the following? | |
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42. Mesothelioma is a disease caused by the poisoning effect of - | |
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43. White lung disease is caused due to the poisoning effect of - | |
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44. Which of the following diseases is transmitted through rodents? | |
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45. Which of the following causes sleeping sickness? | |
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46. Dengue and chikungunya are mainly transmitted through the bites of which mosquitoes? | |
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47. Which animals are associated with the transmission of Japanese Encephalitis? | |
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48. Which of the following animals is associated with the spread of tularemia? | |
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49. Which of the following is the cause of the disease kala azar? | |
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50. Which of the following is also known as Trisomy 21? | |
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51. Which of the following is an eating disorder? | |
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52. Which of the following is caused due to excess production of hormone cortisol? | |
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53. Which of the following is a reading disorder? | |
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54. Grave's disease is associated with the overactivity of which gland? | |
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55. In which disorder, symptoms of ageing appear at an early age? | |
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56. Which of the following is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B1? | |