Pathogens

• What is a pathogen?

  Microorganisms that cause infectious disease
• What types of pathogens are discussed in the video?

  Bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi
• How many people in the UK get food poisoning from bacteria each year?

  Approximately 300,000 people
• How do bacteria cause illness?

  By reproducing rapidly and releasing toxins
• How often can bacteria divide under ideal conditions?

  Every 20 minutes
• What are toxins?

  Harmful chemicals released by bacteria
• What virus is mentioned that can lead to AIDS?

  HIV
• How do viruses reproduce?

  Only inside a host cell
• What happens to a host cell when a virus reproduces inside it?

  The cell can burst open and die
• How are pathogens spread through the air?

  In water droplets, like influenza
• How can HIV be spread?

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

  Practicing basic hygiene
• How does chlorine in drinking water help prevent disease?

  It kills microorganisms
• How can the spread of HIV be reduced during sexual intercourse?

  By using a condom
• What is a method of isolating patients to prevent disease spread?

  Isolating patients with highly infectious diseases
• What role do vaccinations play in disease prevention?

  They help reduce the spread of pathogens
• What are the main ways pathogens are spread?

  • Through the air (e.g., water droplets)
  • Contaminated water (e.g., cholera)
  • Direct contact (e.g., sharing needles)
• What are the methods to reduce the spread of pathogens?

  • Practicing basic hygiene
  • Providing clean drinking water
  • Reducing direct contact (e.g., using condoms)
  • Isolating infected patients
  • Vaccination