Communicable diseases

• What is a communicable disease?

  A disease that can be transmitted from one organism to another
• What are infectious pathogens?

  Microorganisms that cause disease
• Name three types of infectious pathogens.

  Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi
• How can communicable diseases spread?

  • Breath/droplet: increased transmission to healthy individuals
  • Water: pathogens affect individuals when consumed
  • Air: droplet infection
• How do pathogens enter the body?

  They can enter through breathing, drinking, or air droplets
• How do bacteria differ from viruses?

  Bacteria are larger than viruses and some are beneficial
• What do bacteria release that can damage tissues?

  Poisons or toxins
• What is a characteristic of viruses?

  They live inside body cells and infect more cells
• How do viruses reproduce?

  They require the host's body cells to reproduce
• What are some simple measures to reduce the spread of pathogens?

  • Practice good hygiene
  • Prevent vectors
  • Reduce contact with infected individuals
• Why is hygiene important in preventing disease spread?

  It helps to reduce the transmission of pathogens
• What is the role of the immune system in infection response?

  It helps to destroy pathogens
• What does it mean if a disease is highly infectious?

  It spreads easily from one individual to another
• How does reducing contact with infected individuals help prevent disease spread?

  It minimizes the chances of transmission of pathogens
• What are the characteristics of bacteria?

  • Larger than viruses
  • Some are beneficial
  • Reproduce rapidly
  • Release toxins that damage tissues
• What are the characteristics of viruses?

  • Very small
  • Live inside body cells
  • Infect more cells
  • Require host cells to reproduce