Pathogens

• What are pathogens?

  Microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.
• What are the four types of pathogens?

  Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists.
• How do bacteria make us ill?

  Once inside the body, bacteria reproduce rapidly. They then release toxins which damage tissues and make us feel ill.
• What can viruses not do by themselves?

  Reproduce, they can only do this inside a host cell.
• What do viruses do?

  They firstly invade the host cell where they reproduce. This is very damaging to the cell, when the virus leaves the cell, it can cause the cell to burst open and die.
• How are pathogens spread?

  In the air e.g. water droplets (Influenza)

  In water e.g. cholera

  Direct contact between people e.g. HIV
• How do we reduce the spread of pathogens?

  Wash your hands before eating.

  Providing people with clean drinking water.

  Using condoms during sexual intercourse.

  Isolation - In the cases of highly infectious diseases.

  Vaccination