MARKS : 20 INVESTIGATE DISEASES CAUSED BY MICRO-ORGANISMS 1. Choose a disease that is caused by a micro- organism. Do some research to make sure that this is caused by a micro- organism. 2. Find the following information about the disease you have chosen: a. The name of the micro-organism that causes the disease. b. The group of micro- organisms to which the organism belongs. c. The effects and symptoms of the diseases d. How the disease is treated e. How to prevent being infected with the disease 3. Arrange the information that you found into a poster or pamphlet that could be used to educate people about the disease. Make your poster or pamphlet as attractive as possible.

# Investigating Tuberculosis ## 1. Selected Disease We have chosen **Tuberculosis (TB)** because it is a well-known disease caused by a specific micro-organism. ## 2. Detailed Information ### a. Causative Micro-organism The disease is caused by the bacterium \[ \text{Mycobacterium tuberculosis} \] ### b. Group of Micro-organisms \[ \text{Bacteria} \] ### c. Effects and Symptoms Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. Its effects and symptoms include: - Persistent cough (sometimes coughing up blood) - Chest pain - Fatigue and weakness - Weight loss - Fever and night sweats - Loss of appetite ### d. Treatment TB is treated using a long course of antibiotics. The standard treatment regimen includes: - A combination of antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. - The typical treatment duration is about 6 to 9 months. - Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) may be used to ensure that patients adhere to their treatment schedule. ### e. Prevention Prevention methods include: - **Vaccination:** The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is given to prevent TB, especially in children. - **Public Health Measures:** Improving ventilation, reducing overcrowding in living environments, and educating the public. - **Hygiene Practices:** Encouraging the use of masks and proper respiratory etiquette to reduce transmission. - **Early Diagnosis and Treatment:** Prompt identification and isolation of active cases to stop the spread. ## 3. Poster/Pamphlet Content Below is an outline for a pamphlet that could be used to educate people about Tuberculosis: --- **Title: Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)** **Section 1: What is TB?** - Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium \(\text{Mycobacterium tuberculosis}\). - It mainly affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs. **Section 2: Symptoms to Watch For** - Persistent cough (especially if coughing up blood) - Chest pain - Unexplained weight loss - Fever and night sweats - Fatigue and loss of appetite **Section 3: How is TB Treated?** - TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics for 6–9 months. - Important antibiotics include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. - Adherence to the treatment plan is crucial. - Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) helps ensure effective treatment. **Section 4: Prevention Tips** - **Vaccination:** Get the BCG vaccine if eligible. - **Good Hygiene:** Cover your mouth when coughing. - **Ventilation:** Ensure living spaces are well ventilated. - **Early Diagnosis:** Get tested if you experience symptoms. - **Public Awareness:** Educate yourself and others on TB prevention. **Section 5: What You Can Do** - Maintain overall health with a balanced diet and regular exercise. - Seek medical help promptly if you show any symptoms of TB. - Follow public health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection in the community. --- This layout uses clear sections to educate the public effectively about TB. The combination of text, bullet points, and structured content will help ensure the information is accessible and easy to understand.