Viral, Fungal and Protist Diseases

• Viral diseases


  Diseases caused by viruses
• Fungal diseases


  Diseases caused by fungi
• Protist diseases


  Diseases caused by protists
• Measles


  1. Spread by droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough

  2. Causes a red skin rash and fever

  3. Can lead to complications like pneumonia or encephalitis

  4. Most people are vaccinated against it when young
• HIV


  1. Spread by sexual contact or exchanging bodily fluids like blood

  2. Initially causes flu-like symptoms

  3. Can be controlled with antiretroviral drugs

  4. Attacks immune cells

  5. Late stage is known as AIDS
• Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)


  1. Affects many plant species like tomatoes

  2. Causes a mosaic pattern on leaves

  3. Discolouration reduces photosynthesis and affects plant growth
• Rose black spot


  1. Fungus that causes purple/black spots on rose leaves

  2. Leaves can turn yellow and drop off

  3. Reduces photosynthesis and plant growth

  4. Spread through water or wind

  5. Treated with fungicides and removing affected leaves
• Malaria


  1. Caused by a protist

  2. Part of life cycle takes place in mosquitoes

  3. Mosquitoes pick up protist and infect other animals when feeding

  4. Causes repeating fever episodes

  5. Can be fatal

  6. Spread reduced by stopping mosquito breeding and using insecticides/nets
• Photosynthesis is important for plant growth because it produces glucose