In the case of a chronic disease, pathologic changes can occur over long time spans (e.g., months, years, or a lifetime) and involve a slow onset of signs or symptoms

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- Infectious 
- Communicable
- Contagious
- Iatrogenic
- Nosocomial
- Zoonotic
- Noncommunicable
- Noninfectious
- Acute Disease
- Chronic Disease

Types of Diseases

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Communicable disease are capable of being spread from person to person through either direct or indirect transmission.

Communicable Disease

Contagious diseases are **easily** spread from person to person.

Contagious Disease

Iatrogenic diseases can occur after medical procedures if the wound or surgical site becomes contaminated.

Iatrogenic Diseases

Also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAI), are infections that occurs in healthcare settings. Sick patients can bring harmful pathogens into hospitals, and some of these pathogens can be transmitted easily via improperly sterilized medical equipment, door handles, or by clinicians who do not wash their hands between patients. Hospital patients often have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Infections are classified as HAI when the patient was admitted for another reason (primary disease) than the infection, and then, often, contracts the secondary infection after having compromised immunity (such as due to surgery).

Nosocomial Diseases

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. The diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from person to person. 

Infectious Disease

A noncommunicable infectious disease is not spread from person to person. One example is tetanus, caused by *Clostridium tetani*, a bacterium that produces endospores that can survive in the soil for many years. This disease is typically only transmitted then the pathogen comes into contact with a skin wound.

Noncommunicable Disease 

Noninfectious diseases are not caused by pathogens. These diseases can be caused by a wide variety factors, including genetics, the environment, or immune system dysfunction.

Noninfectious Disease

In the case of acute diseases, pathologic changes occur over a short period of time (e.g., hours, days, or a few weeks) and involve a rapid onset of signs or symptoms

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