Lyme Disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Lyme Disease - Research Paper Example The disease was characterized by outbreaks in the early fall and during the summer which showed that the vector was an arthropod (Todar, n.d). Initially children were diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; however, the increasing prevalence of the illness resulted in a detailed scientific research concerning the etiology of the disease. Studies of the pathogenesis and signs of the disease led to the discovery of its connection with Borrelia burgdorferi (Todar, n.d).This led to the distinction of the disease from rheumatoid arthritis as rheumatoid fever has an auto immune etiology (Edwards, Cambridge and Abrahams, 1999). The similarity of the symptoms of both diseases led to the incorrect diagnosis. Lyme disease has the highest prevalence among tick borne diseases in the Northern Hemisphere (Fell, 2000). Etiology The etiological agent was discovered by Willy Brgdorfer in 1982 (Todar, n.d). It was isolated from the gut of the black legged tick and was identified to be a spiroche te from the genus Borrelia (Todar, n.d). The spirochetes were found to react with serum which had been extracted from patients suffering from Lyme disease. The etiologic agent was named after Willy Burgdorfer and is known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Other species which cause Lyme disease include B. garinii and B. afzelii. Recent studies have also suggested that Borrelia miyamotoi is a causative agent as it has been found to occur in areas where Lyme disease is an endemic (Krause, Wormser and Narasimhan et al., 2013). Lyme disease is transmitted by an agent known as Inxodes scapularies. The bacteria live within the gut of these ticks which feed on human and animal blood. These ticks feed on blood for a long period of time and the bites are usually undetected due to the size of the ticks (Lo Re, occi and Mc Gregor, 2004). Risk Factors Some of the risk factors associated with Lyme disease are the activities in which one participates (Mayo Staff clinic, 2005). Individuals who spend a major ity of their time outdoors are prone to Lyme disease. The area which an individual lives in is also a risk factor for Lyme disease. Such areas include the Midwest and Northeast region (Diuk-Wasser, 2012). Ticks are mostly active during the warm seasons between May and November; hence this time period poses a risk of contracting the disease (Lyme disease Update Review, n.d). Events such as camping, hiking and gardening are also risk factors. The risk of contracting Lyme disease is high in individuals exposed to ticks. The highest cases have been reported among individuals between 5-15 years and 45-54 years old (University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d). Lyme disease is only transmitted in approximately 3% of all tick bites and the length of the bite increases the risk of transmission. Mechanism of the disease. Borrelia burgdorferi undergoes an infectious cycle from nymph moulds to adults. The female lays eggs which feed on the first host and are then dropped to the ground and trans form to nymph. The nymphs then attach and feed on the second host (Wasiluk, 2011). The chronic form of the disease affects numerous organs of the body, in particular, the joints, skin, brain and heart. The disease is classified into three stages, the first stage being of limited infection, which is followed disseminated infection and the last stage is late borreliosis (Wasiluk, 2011).

Role of Technology in Citizens' Social and Economic Development Coursework

Role of Technology in Citizens' Social and Economic Development - Coursework Example Many voluntary organizations have initiated numerous technological projects in rural areas to help improve the living standards of those in rural areas. The result is an increased penetration of technology in these areas. Technology has made tremendous impacts among the rural population, making work easier and improving living standards in many fronts, and despite the deterioration of societal values associated with it, it should be promoted.The penetration of technology in rural areas has come as good news to many rural dwellers. The positive aspects of this penetration are evident. The most conspicuous aspect is the increase in production. Clearly, economies, which have embraced technology, have registered improved productivity. For instance, in the agricultural sector, the use of modern farming techniques and tools has significantly improved the level of output. As opposed to traditional farming practices such as the use of simple tools like hoes, use of tractors, fertilizers, and irrigation have had a tremendous impact on food production, almost assuring food security despite the high population in the society. In offices, automation has played a pivotal role in increased yields (Raj, 2005). Previous manual operations, which consumed a lot of time, have been automated. The emergence of ATMs in the banking sector has allowed clients to transact easily and within less time.Additionally, technology has incorporated rural areas in the global village. Through globalization, the world has become â€Å"one big village† where information is passed and shared almost instantly. Technological inventions continue to reduce the distance between people. The use of emails, social sites such as Facebook and Twitter, phones, tablets, and fax has allowed people to keep in touch as if they are in the same geographical location. News spread faster because of technology. Ideally, it is honest to say that one can make a trip to the entire globe from a remote village withi n seconds courtesy of technology.