Jonathan Bland

Pathophysiology Diseases
February 19, 2011
Prof. Lori McGowan
Week 1 Assignment 2

I choose Huntingtons disease; it is a disorder that is passed down through families in

which certain nerve cells in the brain waste away, or degenerate. Testing for this disease
includes a simple blood test. The tests look for a distinct mutation in the gene IT-15. They also
look at family history. A sample of DNA also may be required from a closely related affected
relative, ideally a parent. Tests have been developed to tests adults, children, and even fetuses
in the womb. (Swierzewski III, 2010) The tests reveal if there is a mutation in the genes. They
can also perform other tests to verify the disease is present which include, CT scans combined
with other procedures such as a magnetic resonance imaging scans or positron emission
tomography (PET scan). These are other diagnostic tools that can be done to verify the disease
is present. One of the most important parts of all the testing is early counseling for the patients.
Currently there are no medications to treat Huntingtons disease that have been approved by
the FDA.

The second disease I choose was Anthrax. Anthrax is found naturally in the ground when
cows first started to die testing was done to find out how the animals died and found scientists
found the disease. It became a very good and effective way of killing people in bioterrorism or
germ warfare. It is a serious illness caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis.
There are multiple tests that can be done to verify a person has been infected with anthrax. The
first is skin testing which can only be done if the person has lesions on the skin. Another is
blood tests, chest x-rays or computerized tomography (CT) scans. The most common form of
anthrax develops in the lungs from an inhalation type exposure. Chest x-rays can confirm the
diagnoses. Another type of exam is endoscopy and stool samples, this is done to diagnose
intestinal anthrax. The last test that can be done is a spinal tap otherwise known as a lumbar
puncture. The spinal fluid is done to confirm anthrax meningitis. All the tests work by
identifying the Bacillus anthracis throughout the body. If one is exposed some symptoms can be
skin sores, nausea, vomiting or shock. The standard treatment for anthrax is a 60-day course of
an antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Which antibiotic or combination of
antibiotics will be most effective for you depends on the type of anthrax you have, your age,
overall health and other factors. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible.
(Mayo Clinic, 2009)

Works Cited
Mayo Clinic. (2009, June 9). Anthrax. Retrieved Feb 19, 2011, from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anthrax/DS00422

Mayo Clinic. (2011). Huntington's Disease. Retrieved Feb 19, 2011, from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/huntingtons-disease/

Swierzewski III, S. J. (2010, May 19). Diagnosis of Huntington's Disease. Retrieved Feb 19, 2011, from
Neurology Channel: http://www.neurologychannel.com/huntingtons/diagnosis.shtml