infection and response

• Malaria


  Caused by a protist that lives inside a mosquito
• Fungi

  • Some fungi are single-celled
  • Others have a body which is made up of hyphae (thread-like structures)
  • These hyphae can grow and penetrate human skin and the surface of plants, causing diseases
  • The hyphae can produce spores, which can be spread to other plants and animals
• The black spot fungus


  • Infects rose plants
• The spread of pathogens


  Pathogens can be spread in many ways
• Water


  • Some pathogens can be picked up by drinking or bathing in dirty water
• Cholera


  • A bacterial infection that's spread by drinking water contaminated with the diarrhoea of other sufferers
• Air


  • Pathogens can be carried in the air and can then be breathed in
• Influenza virus


  • Causes flu and is spread in the air in droplets produced when you cough or sneeze
• Direct contact

  • Some pathogens can be picked up by touching contaminated surfaces, including the skin
• Athlete's foot


  • A fungus which makes skin itch and flake off, most commonly spread by touching the same things as an infected person, e.g. shower floors and towels