Kerala PSC » Kerala PSC Study Materials » Dairy Microbiology » Milk-borne Diseases and Pathogens

Milk-borne Diseases and Pathogens

Milk-borne diseases are the most common diseases nowadays. Read on this post to know more about milk-borne diseases and pathogens.

Milk-borne diseases are that can be caused by the ingestion of food and water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The main cause of these diseases is a lack of hygiene, especially in areas where people do not have access to clean water and proper sanitation. There can be many different types of milk-borne diseases.

Milk-Borne Diseases

Milk-borne diseases are a group of diseases that can be passed on to humans through the consumption of unpasteurised milk or food products made from unpasteurised milk. The most common types of milk-borne diseases are brucellosis, campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, listeriosis, and salmonellosis.

Milk-borne diseases and pathogens are a serious public health concern globally. Each year, an estimated 243,000 people die from these diseases, most of whom are children under the age of five. In developed countries, the majority of milk-borne disease outbreaks are caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria. In developing countries, Brucella bacteria are the primary cause of milk-borne disease outbreaks.

Milk-borne diseases and pathogens are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated milk or dairy products. The bacteria can enter the milk supply through infected cows or other animals, contaminated water, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Once the bacteria are in the milk, they can multiply and cause illness.

Milk-Borne Diseases Transmission

The transmission of milk-borne diseases can occur through the ingestion of unpasteurized milk or dairy products, contact with infected animals, or consumption of food that has been contaminated by animal feces. It can also happen when people work with raw milk or dairy products without wearing gloves.

Another transmission of milk-borne diseases can be from contact with infected people. Infected people may have diarrhea, vomiting, or a skin rash. The disease can also spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The symptoms of milk-borne diseases vary depending on the type of pathogen involved, but they can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Some pathogens can also cause more serious illnesses like meningitis or sepsis. Treatment for milk-borne diseases usually involves antibiotics, but more severe cases may require hospitalization.

Milk-Borne Bacterial Diseases

Milk-borne bacterial diseases are caused by milk contaminated with bacteria. The most common types of milk-borne bacterial diseases are tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Milk-borne bacterial diseases can be prevented by pasteurizing milk.

Tuberculosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, brain, and spine. Symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing up blood, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Tuberculosis is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Pasteurized milk does not contain live bacteria and cannot cause tuberculosis.

Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria affects the nose, throat, and skin. Symptoms of diphtheria include fever, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. Diphtheria is spread through contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person. Pasteurized milk does not contain live bacteria and cannot cause diphtheria.

Brucellosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus. Brucellosis affects the reproductive organs and can cause miscarriage. Symptoms of brucellosis include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain. Brucellosis is spread through contact with contaminated milk or meat. Pasteurized milk does not contain live bacteria and cannot cause brucellosis.

Milk-Borne Diseases Methods of Prevention

The methods of prevention for milk-borne diseases are washing your hands thoroughly, keeping surfaces clean, and avoiding cross-contamination. These also include boiling raw milk for at least two minutes and avoiding unpasteurised dairy products. If you do consume unpasteurized dairy products, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and cook them thoroughly before consuming.

You can also take some preventative methods of milk-borne diseases by getting vaccinated against certain diseases, such as tuberculosis. You should also talk to your doctor about getting tested for HIV if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

If you are pregnant, it is important to get vaccinated against measles, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). These vaccinations will help protect you and your baby from these potentially dangerous diseases. You should also talk to your doctor about any other vaccinations that may be recommended during pregnancy.

Other methods of prevention methods of milk-borne diseases include:

  • Avoiding unpasteurized milk products
  • Washing all fruits and vegetables before eating them
  • Cooking food properly

Conclusion 

Milk is one of the most important sources of calcium. However, there are many milk-borne diseases that can be harmful to human health. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that contaminate milk while it is being produced or stored. You should treat them as soon as possible to avoid serious health problems.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Kerala PSC Examination Preparation.

What are milk-borne diseases?

Ans : Milk-borne diseases are diseases that can be transmitted through milk. They include tuberculosis, HIV, ...Read full

How are milk-borne diseases transmitted?

Ans : These diseases can be transmitted through contaminated milk or dairy products. They can also be transmitted th...Read full

What are the symptoms of milk-borne diseases?

Ans : Symptoms of milk-borne diseases vary depending on the disease. However, common symptoms include fever, diarrhe...Read full

Can these diseases be cured?

Ans : Yes, most of these diseases can be cured with proper treatment. However, some (such as HIV) are incurable and ...Read full

Is there a vaccine for these diseases?

Ans : Yes, there is a vaccine for many of these diseases. Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent these disea...Read full