Question

Distinguish between infectious and noninfectious diseases. Give two examples for each.

Answer 1

Differences between infectious and non-infectious diseases are as follows:

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES

1. Caused due to attack of pathogens

1. Caused by factors other than pathogens

2. Caused due to extrinsic factors

2. Caused due to intrinsic factors

3. Transmitted from one person to another

3. Do not get transmitted from one person to another

4. Transmission of diseases occurs through direct contact or some medium (air, water, vectors)

4. Transmission in case of hereditary diseases is from parent to offspring

5. Community hygiene can reduce the occurrence of these diseases

5. Community hygiene is ineffective in reducing the occurrence of these diseases

E.g. Cholera, Malaria

E.g. Diabetes, Goitre