Communicable and Non-communicable diseases
Communicable diseases are those diseases which can be transferred from one individual to another. Typically, it is caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria for instance diseases such as AIDS, malaria, dengue etc. On the other hand, non-communicable diseases are the diseases which are not transmitted from one to another person. These are typically some of the allergies, nutrient deficiencies etc.
Difference between Communicable and Non-communicable diseases
The table below depicts the important differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
| Characteristics | Communicable Diseases | Non-communicable diseases |
| Definition | Diseases spread from one to another person. Can be spread through water, air etc | Diseases cannot be transmitted from one to another person |
| Causative | Pathogens that are highly infectious and vectors transmit these diseases | Here, the causative is allergies, malnutrition, illness due to internal factors, lifestyle changes, environmental changes, abnormalities in cell proliferation etc |
| Agent causing infection | Virus, bacteria | No agents |
| Inheritance factor | Cannot be inherited from one generation to another | Can be inherited from generation on |
| Example | AIDS, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cholera | Allergies, cancer, heart diseases, diabetes |
| Type of disease | As it can develop almost immediately, it is acute | As it develops over a period of time and lasts for long, it is chronic |
| Treatment | Traditional methods/therapies | Surgically or specialized methodologies |
These were some important differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases. Explore differences on more topics at BYJU’S for NEET 2020.
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