Causing Diseases

• What are the four main types of pathogens that cause disease?

  Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists
• How do bacteria cause disease in the body?

  By producing toxins that damage tissues
• How do viruses make us feel ill?

  By invading cells and disrupting their functions
• What is one way fungi can cause disease in plants or animals?

  By invading tissues and absorbing nutrients
• How do protists like the malaria parasite cause disease?

  By infecting and destroying red blood cells
• What is the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases?

  Communicable diseases spread between individuals
• How can pathogens be spread through the air?

  By respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
• How can water carry pathogens that cause disease?

  By containing contaminated drinking water sources
• What role do vectors play in spreading disease?

  Vectors transmit pathogens from one host to another
• How can touching contaminated surfaces lead to infection?

  By transferring pathogens to mucous membranes