Pathogens

• What is meant by a pathogen?

  Microorganisms that cause infectious disease
• How do bacteria and viruses cause illness?

  They reproduce and release harmful toxins
• What are communicable diseases?

  Diseases spread from person to person
• How are pathogens spread?

  Through air, water, and direct contact
• What is the definition of a pathogen?

  Microorganisms that cause infectious disease
• What types of pathogens are included in the definition?

  Bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi
• How do bacteria reproduce in the human body?

  They divide every 20 minutes under ideal conditions
• What do bacteria release that makes us feel ill?

  Harmful chemicals called toxins
• How do viruses reproduce?

  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
• 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 using a condom reduce the spread of HIV?

  It prevents direct contact during intercourse
• What is a method of isolating patients with infectious diseases?

  Keeping them away from others
• What is one way to prevent the spread of pathogens through vaccination?

  By stimulating the immune system
• What are the main ways to reduce the spread of pathogens?

  • Practicing basic hygiene
  • Providing clean drinking water
  • Reducing direct contact between individuals
  • Isolating patients with highly infectious diseases
  • Vaccination
• What are the differences between bacteria and viruses?

  • Bacteria can reproduce independently; viruses cannot
  • Bacteria release toxins; viruses damage host cells
  • Bacteria can be treated with antibiotics; viruses require antiviral drugs
• What are the characteristics of communicable diseases?

  • Spread from person to person
  • Caused by pathogens
  • Infectious in nature