PATHOGEN & HOST FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DISEASE DEVELOPMENT

Once a disease-causing microorganism (pathogen) gains entry into the body of a susceptible host, the pathogen will adhere or attach itself to specific receptors on the cell surfaces of the host. Upon successful invasion and binding, the microorganism will begin to release chemicals that will eventually attack the host cells.

The pathogen (agent) factors includes all disease causing microorganisms that invade and colonize the susceptible host and release within them many variety of virulent factors that eventually cause the host to become sick and even bed-ridden in some cases depending on the severity of the infection/disease.

These microorganisms release toxins and virulent factors that attack and damage the tissues and cells of the host including the host’s immune system (in some cases e.g. HIV infection) that is supposed to stop the external aggression of the pathogens. These pathogens including other chemical and physical factors are normally necessary in sufficient amount in order to initiate a disease or infection state in the susceptible host.

Pathogen factors influence the chances for the manifestation of a disease in an individual. Pathogen factors that influence a disease include:

• Pathogens e.g. bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi.

• Chemical factors e.g. mutagens

• Physical factors e.g. ultraviolet (UV) radiation

SUSCEPTIBLE HOST FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE A DISEASE

Susceptible host factors are those characteristics of an individual that predisposes him or her to the contracting or acquisition or development of a disease. These factors are usually inherent in the susceptible host and, they determine the susceptibility or exposure of a person to a given infection within a defined population. Some susceptible host factors that influence an individual’s susceptibility to a given infection include:

• Personal traits e.g. race, skin colour, age, sex, immunologic status, genetic make-up.

• Personal habits and lifestyle e.g. drinking, smoking, eating habits, sexual practices.

• Socio-economic factors e.g. occupation, nutrition, place of living, place of work.

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