Pathogens and Disease

• What is meant by a pathogen?

  Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious disease.
• What are the main types of pathogens?

  Bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi.
• How do bacteria reproduce under ideal conditions?

  Bacteria can divide every 20 minutes.
• What harmful substances do bacteria release that make us feel ill?

  Bacteria release harmful chemicals called toxins.
• What is the virus that can lead to AIDS?

  The virus HIV.
• How do viruses reproduce?

  Viruses can only reproduce inside a host cell.
• What happens to a host cell when a virus reproduces inside it?

  The host cell can burst open and die.
• What are the three ways pathogens are spread?

  Through the air, direct contact, and contaminated water.
• What is an example of a disease spread through air droplets?

  Influenza.
• How is cholera spread?

  Cholera is spread when drinking water polluted by sewage.
• How can HIV be spread?

  By sharing infected needles or through sexual contact.
• What is one way to reduce the spread of pathogens?

  Practicing basic hygiene, such as washing hands before eating.
• How does chlorine in drinking water help prevent disease?

  Chlorine kills microorganisms in the water.
• How can the spread of HIV be reduced during sexual intercourse?

  By using a condom.
• What is a method of preventing the spread of highly infectious diseases like Ebola?

  Isolating patients to prevent the pathogen from spreading.
• What role do vaccinations play in pathogen spread?

  Vaccinations help reduce the spread of pathogens.
• What are viruses classified as?

  Viruses are an example of a pathogen
• Can viruses be killed by antibiotics?

  No, viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics
• What is the first symptom of measles?

  A fever
• How is measles spread?

  Through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• What can happen if complications develop from measles?

  They can cause damage to the breathing system or brain
• What is a serious potential outcome of measles?

  It can be fatal
• Why are most children vaccinated against measles?

  To prevent serious complications and fatalities
• What is the first symptom of HIV?

  A flu-like illness
• What happens to the immune system over time in HIV patients?

  The immune system becomes severely damaged
• What can occur when the immune system is severely damaged in HIV patients?

  They can easily contract other infections and develop cancer
• What is the late stage of HIV called?

  AIDS
• How can HIV be treated?

  Using antiretroviral drugs
• What is the function of antiretroviral drugs in HIV treatment?

  They stop the virus from multiplying inside the patient
• What must patients do to manage HIV effectively?

  Take antiretroviral drugs for the rest of their life
• How is HIV transmitted?

  Through the exchange of fluids between humans
• What are two ways HIV can be spread?

  Unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing infected needles
• What does it mean for a disease to be communicable?

  It means the disease can be passed from person to person by a pathogen
• What is a pathogen?

  A microorganism that causes an infectious disease
• How do antibiotics affect bacteria?

  Unlike viruses, bacteria can be killed by antibiotics
• What is the primary cause of salmonella food poisoning?

  Ingesting infected food
• How can salmonella bacteria be spread in food preparation?

  By using the same chopping board for raw chicken and other food without cleaning it
• What are toxins in relation to salmonella bacteria?

  Harmful chemicals secreted by the bacteria that cause symptoms
• What are some symptoms of salmonella food poisoning?

  Fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea
• How does vaccination affect the spread of salmonella in the UK?

  All chicken are vaccinated against salmonella, controlling the spread of the disease