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===Definition and Type===
 
===Definition and Type===
'''Disease''' is a definite morbid (illness producing) process, having a characteristic train of symptoms or signs.
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'''Disease''' is a morbid (illness producing) process, having a characteristic train of symptoms or signs. It may affect the whole body or any of its parts, and the disease's aetiology, pathology and prognosis may be known or unknown.
* May affect the whole body or any of its parts.
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* The disease's aetiology, pathology and prognosis may be known or unknown.
   
There are two main categories of disease:
 
There are two main categories of disease:
*# '''Acute''' - characterised by sudden onset and short duration.
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# '''Acute''' - characterised by sudden onset and short duration.
*#* The outcome of acute disease may be:
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#* The outcome of acute disease may be:
*#** Death
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#** Death
*#** Resolution due to host defence response or clinical therapy
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#** Resolution due to host defence response or clinical therapy
*#** Progression to chronic disease
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#** Progression to chronic disease
*# '''Chronic''' - characterised by insidious onset and protracted course.
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# '''Chronic''' - characterised by insidious onset and protracted course.
*#* The outcome of chronic disease may be:
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#* The outcome of chronic disease may be:
*#** Progressive destruction of tissue
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#** Progressive destruction of tissue, which compromises function and  endangers life,
*#*** Compromises function and  endangers life,
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#** The halting of the course of disease, with tissue repair by scarring.
*#** The halting of the course of disease, with tissue repair by scarring.
      
===Factors Involved in the Development of Disease===
 
===Factors Involved in the Development of Disease===
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