Vocabulary
AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which is a fatal condition caused by HIV.
HIV The human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS.
infectious disease A disease that spreads from person to person.
pathogen A living organism or virus that causes disease.
vector An organism that carries pathogens from one person or animal to another.
Points to Consider
- What do you think causes allergies?
- Do you know of other diseases that are not caused by pathogens?
- Do you think these diseases are contagious?
21.2 Lesson 21.2: Noninfectious Diseases
Lesson Objectives
- List causes of noninfectious diseases.
- Describe causes and treatments of cancer.
- Explain why diabetes occurs.
- Describe autoimmune diseases and allergies.
- State how noninfectious diseases can be prevented.
Check Your Understanding
- What is an infectious disease?
- Discuss the stages of the cell cycle.
Introduction
Not all diseases spread from person to person. A disease that does not spread from person
to person is called anoninfectious disease. Examples are cancer and diabetes. These
diseases may or may not be caused by pathogens.