Ingestion

Pathogens Transmitted via Ingestion

• Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• Transmission often through the faecal-oral route
• Diseases like hepatitis A, polio, and cholera transmitted through ingestion
• Trichinella larvae from infected flesh
• Dracunculus from contaminated water sources

Ingestion of Foreign Objects

• Common ingestion of disk batteries, mistaken for pills
• Symptoms include airway blockage, vomiting, irritability, and rash
• Nickel metal allergy can cause skin reactions
• Batteries may be swallowed during replacement

Abnormal Ingestion Behaviors

• Pica: appetite for non-nutritive objects or unusual food items
• Coprophagia: consumption of feces, common in some animals
• Both behaviors can lead to serious health issues due to harmful substances
• Considered abnormal ingestive behaviors

Additional Information on Pathogens and Foreign Object Ingestion

• Larvae of some pathogenic organisms ingested through other routes
• Salmonella infections from undercooked eggs
• Some foreign objects can cause severe medical problems
• Hand-washing crucial to prevent pathogen transmission

References

• Trichinellosis and Dracunculiasis info from CDC
• Estimate of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses in US from eggs
• Battery ingestion details from eMedicineHealth.com
• Mention of E.O. Wilson for reference

Ingestion Data Sources