communicable diseases

• what is a communicable disease?

  a disease which can be spread between animals or plants
• what is a pathogen?

  a disease-causing microorganism
• what can pathogens be?

  • bacteria
  • virus
  • fungi
  • protists
• pathogens can infect plants & animals & they can be spread by direct contact, water or air
• how does bacteria cause disease?

  • once inside the body, they reproduce rapidly
  • produce toxins that damage your cells & tissues
• how do viruses cause disease?

  • live & reproduce inside cells, causing cell damage
• how can the spread of pathogens be reduced?

  • washing hands after using the toilet
  • isolating yourself
  • vaccination
  • disinfecting