PATHOGENS

• Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease (communicable) There are four types:

  • Protists - single celled eukaryotic
  • Fungi - single or multi cellular eukaryotic
  • Bacteria - single celled prokaryotic
  • Viruses - acellular (not made of cells)
• How can pathogens be spread?

  • Direct contact: touch, shaking hands prevented by: washing hands, physical barriers
  • Water: drinking contaminated water prevented by: water purification (heating, boiling)
  • Air: sneezing or coughing prevented by: face masks, sneezing in arm
  • Unhygienic food preparation: undercooked or reheated foods prevented by: heating properly and to right temperature
  • Vectors: organism carrying disease bites another organism prevented by: killing vector organism, taking drugs which kill the pathogens