# 56 Summary of Infectious diseases and Antibiotics
1 The term disease is defined as a disorder or illness that disrupts the normal functioning of the body or mind. Infectious diseases are caused by organisms known as pathogens that invade the body. Non-infectious diseases are all other diseases that are not caused by pathogens. There are many categories of non-infectious diseases including genetic diseases and deficiency diseases, which are caused by malnutrition. 2 Cholera, malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and measles are all examples of infectious diseases. Smallpox was an infectious disease but was eradicated in the late 20th century. 3 Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is transmitted in water or food contaminated by the faeces of infected people. 4 Cholera can be controlled by treating patients with oral rehydration therapy and making sure that human faeces do not reach the water supply. The disease is prevented by providing clean, chlorinated water and good sanitation. 5 Malaria is caused ...