Diseases in Plants and Animals Dr. Jim Whitfield

Diseases in Plants and AnimalsDr. Jim Whitfield

www.pascack.k12.nj.usPascack Hills HSFacultyWhitfield, JamesEnv. Bio. Period #2

Microorganisms

Microorganisms

As you have previously learned microorganisms are microscopic living things, generally classified as bacteria, protists, fungi and some algae

Microorganisms

As you have previously learned microorganisms are microscopic living things, generally classified as bacteria, protists, fungi and some algae

Microorganisms are found in all environments and play an important role in our lives

Microorganisms

As you have previously learned microorganisms are microscopic living things, generally classified as bacteria, protists, fungi and some algae

Microorganisms are found in all environments and play an important role in our lives

There are no good or bad microorganisms. However, some of them improve the quality of our lives and some of them have negative effects on us.

Microorganisms

Some microorganisms cause diseases in both plants and animals

Microorganisms

Some microorganisms cause diseases in both plants and animals

Theses types of microorganisms are called “Pathogens”

Pathogens in Humans

Pathogens enter our bodies through a variety of means. These include

Pathogens in Humans

Pathogens enter our bodies through a variety of means. These include

Through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, though direct contact with a contaminated individual or though contact with an infected animal

Pathogens in Humans

Pathogens enter our bodies through a variety of means. These include

Through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, though direct contact with a contaminated individual or though contact with an infected animal

Microbial diseases that can spread from an infected person to a healthy person are called communicable diseases

Pathogens in Humans

Pathogens enter our bodies through a variety of means. These include

Through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, though direct contact with a contaminated individual or though contact with an infected animal

Microbial diseases that can spread from an infected person to a healthy person are called communicable diseases

Some examples include, chicken pox, tuberculosis, cholera, influenza, the common cold and AIDS

Carriers

Some insects and animals can act as carriers of disease causing microbes (Humans may also act as carriers – they may or may not be sick – think of Typhoid Mary)

Carriers

Some insects and animals can act as carriers of disease causing microbes (Humans may also act as carriers – they may or may not be sick – think of Typhoid Mary)

In the tropical regions of the world when we think of carriers we should think of mosquitos

CarriersSome insects and animals can act as carriers of disease causing microbes (Humans may also act as carriers – they may or may not be sick – think of Typhoid Mary)

In the tropical regions of the world when we think of carriers we should think of mosquitos

The Anopheles mosquito carriers the protist called Plasmodium falciparum which causes Malaria and the female Aedes mosquito carries the Flavivirus that causes Dengue fever – both of these have had a tremendous effect on the health and economy of India

Carriers

Dr. Padam Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research states that on average 40,000 people in India die each year of Malaria out of the 9.7 million people infected yearly, with an economic loss of over $300 million US dollars - The Times of India, Jan. 3rd, 2013

Carriers

Dr. Padam Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research states that on average 40,000 people in India die each year of Malaria out of the 9.7 million people infected yearly, with an economic loss of over $300 million US dollars - The Times of India, Jan. 3rd, 2013

Dengue fever presents with much lower numbers however, there is a risk of dying. Fifty-five people in Kerala have died in the last three years, and there is a significant economic drain on the local and national economy - The Hindu, July 16th , 2015

Emerging Diseases

I will be discussing Dengue fever in much more depth later this week and next in the zero period as we do a lesson on emerging diseases

Some Common Human Diseases

Animal Pathogens

Microorganisms cause a number of serious diseases in animals. Among these are Anthrax (Anthracic bacillus) Foot and Mouth Disease (picornavirus) and Brucellosis (Brucella Melintensis) All of these are diseases of cattle, sheep and goats. These diseases can all be transmitted to humans and may on occasion be fatal., Of these Anthrax is of greatest concern because of the possibility of making it into an aerosol and using it as a bioweapon

Foot and Mouth Disease

Plant Pathogens

A number of microorganisms cause disease in economically important plants such as rice, potatoes, apples and oranges, tobacco and sugarcane

Plant Pathogens

A number of microorganisms cause disease in economically important plants such as rice, potatoes, apples and oranges, tobacco and sugarcane

In many cases these can be controlled by the judicious use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. However, each of these presents its own problems.

Plant Pathogens

A number of microorganisms cause disease in economically important plants such as rice, potatoes, apples and oranges, tobacco and sugarcane

In many cases these can be controlled by the judicious use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. However, each of these presents its own problems.

Plant pathogens cause tremendous financial losses and increased consumer prices every year

Some Common Plant Diseases

Plant Pathogen and History

“Late Blight of Potato” is caused by a mold called Phytophthora Infestans it also effects tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers and bell peppers

Plant Pathogen and History

“Late Blight of Potato” is caused by a mold called Phytophthora Infestans it also effects tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers and bell peppers

This mold caused what the Irish call “An Gorta Mor – The great Hunger”. In the US we call it the Irish potato famine. It ravished Ireland from 1845 – 1852. 40% of Ireland survived exclusively on potatoes. During the famine more than 25% of the population starved to death. Mostly Irish Catholics who were the poorest of the poor

Plant Pathogen and History

During that 7 year period more than 2.5 million Irish emigrated to the US (an additional 10% died en route) it was one of the largest mass migrations in history and the largest ever to America.

Plant Pathogen and History

During that 7 year period more than 2.5 million Irish emigrated to the US (an additional 10% died en route) it was one of the largest mass migrations in history and the largest ever to America.

While initially met with scorn and signs of “Irish need not apply” eventually the Irish integrated into society and forever changed American society as well as forever linking our two countries together.

Images of the potato famine and late blight