Communicable (infectious) diseases

• How can the spread of diseases be reduced or prevented?

  1. Being hygienic e.g. washing your hands before preparing food or after sneezing
  2. Destroying vectors-  those organisms that spread the disease (insects)
  3. Isolate those infected
  4. vaccination
• Pathogens: microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.
• 4 types of pathogens

  • viruses
  • bacteria
  • protists
  • fungi
• • Pathogens affect plants and animals
• Pathogens can be spread by:

  • direct contact
  • water
  • air
• Bacteria and viruses reproduce rapidly in the body
• Bacteria may produce poisons (toxins) that damage tissues and make us feel ill
• Viruses live and reproduce inside cells, causing cell damage