Types of Diseases - Viral Diseases:TMV, Measles and Ebola (GCSE Biology)
Viral Diseases: TMV, Measles and Ebola
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)
- TMV affects plant photosynthesis. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a plant pathogen that affects tobacco and other tobacco like plants, such as cucumbers. It works by infecting chloroplasts, which changes the colour of the plant from green to yellow. This stops the plant from photosynthesising properly.
- TMV has negative consequences for humans. TMV interrupts plant growth and so leads to a reduction in crop yield. It is especially concerning for farmers, and therefore much research has been done into TMV.
- TMV is spread through contact. TMV can be spread by plants touching one another and by a farmer touching a plant with the virus then touching another unaffected plant. To prevent TMV, infected plants need to removed immediately, and hands should be washed between planting.
Measles
- Measles is spread by viruses. Measles is a viral infection caused by the measles virus. It is spread through the air in droplets, and therefore can spread through coughs and sneezes of infected individuals.
- Measles has unpleasant symptoms. Those suffering from measles can get a red rash and a high fever. Often, sufferers show small white spots which can develop inside the mouth.
- Measles can be fatal. Complications of measles can lead to brain infections such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). However, deaths from measles have been falling due to increased vaccinations against the disease.
- Measles can be prevented. Most children are vaccinated against measles in the MMR vaccine. Measles is actually the greatest cause of vaccine-preventable deaths globally, showing that vaccinations are crucial to prevent measles.
Ebola
- Ebola is a viral disease. It is caused by the Ebola virus.
- Ebola causes a haemorrhagic fever. This is basically a fever with bleeding.
- Ebola is spread via bodily fluids. So if good hygiene is maintained, the individual infected is isolated and areas where the virus may be present are sterilised, the spread of Ebola can be reduced.
FAQs
A viral disease is an illness caused by a virus that enters the body and can damage or kill cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, coughing, and fatigue.
TMV, or tobacco mosaic virus, is a viral disease that affects plants, particularly tobacco plants. It causes mottled leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields in affected crops.
TMV is spread through contact with infected plants, such as through contaminated tools, soil, or water. It can also be transmitted by humans who handle infected plants.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes a fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. It can be serious, especially in young children, and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Measles is spread through contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person, such as through coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with the virus.
Measles can be prevented through vaccination, which provides immunity against the virus. Vaccination is recommended for all children and adults who have not been vaccinated or who have only received one dose.
Ebola is a viral disease that can cause severe and often fatal illness. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and hemorrhaging.
Ebola is spread through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, such as through direct contact or through contaminated objects. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected animals.
Ebola can be prevented through avoiding contact with infected people and animals, practicing good hygiene, and following infection control measures in healthcare settings. There is also a vaccine available for individuals at high risk of exposure to the virus.
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