Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Control
Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Control
This domain tests control of both infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Expect questions on the chain of infection, outbreak control, immunization, screening criteria, and prevention across the life course.
Core rules and concepts
- The chain of infection includes pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Control can break any link.
- Communicable disease control uses case finding, isolation, contact tracing, treatment, vector control, immunization, and risk communication. Not every outbreak needs the same mix.
- Tuberculosis control depends on early case detection, effective treatment, adherence support, contact investigation, and infection control. HIV and malaria control combine prevention, testing, treatment, and surveillance.
- NCD control targets tobacco, harmful alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Screening is worthwhile only when the condition is important, detectable early, treatable, and acceptable, with adequate follow-up.
- Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention apply to NCDs as well as infections.
Worked example
A 45-year-old with obesity and a family history of diabetes asks whether a random blood glucose is enough. The reasoning is to distinguish screening from diagnosis. A risk assessment may justify screening, but diagnosis requires appropriate repeat or confirmatory testing. A normal random glucose does not rule out diabetes, and a single elevated value does not automatically confirm it.
Traps that cost marks
Do not prescribe antibiotics for viral illness. Do not call a screening test diagnostic. Do not ignore social determinants in NCD control. Do not assume one outbreak control measure fits every transmission route.