Types of Pathogens
What are single-celled organisms that can live in various environments, including on your skin and in your digestive system?
Bacteria
Name a bacterial infection that causes sore throat and fever.
Strep throat
How do bacteria spread? (List at least 1 way)
Through contact with infected people, surfaces, food, and water, or through the air
What type of medication is used to treat bacterial infections?
Antibiotics
What are bacteria?
Pathogens that cause diseases like tuberculosis and food poisoning.
What are tiny pathogens that can only multiply inside the living cells of a host organism?
Viruses
Name a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and is spread through the air.
Influenza (the flu)
COVID-19
How do viruses spread? (List at least 2 ways)
Through the air, contact with infected surfaces, or bodily fluids
What type of medication is used to treat viral infections?
Antiviral medications
What is a disease?
A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or affects a specific location.
What are organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms?
Fungi
Name a fungal infection that affects the feet and causes itching and redness.
Athlete’s foot (Tinea)
How do fungi spread?
Through spores carried by the air, water, or contact with infected surfaces
What is the best way to prevent fungal infections?
Keeping areas of the body (like feet) dry and clean
What are non-infectious diseases?
Diseases that are not able to be spread from one person to another and may be caused by genetics or lifestyle choices.
What are protozoa?
Pathogens that can cause diseases like amoebic dysentery, often spread through contaminated water or insect bites.
Name a protozoan disease spread by mosquitoes that causes fever, chills, and can be life-threatening if untreated.
Malaria
How do protozoans spread, and what are some common sources of contamination?
Through contaminated food or water, or by being bitten by infected insects; common sources include unclean water and insect bites
What type of medication is used to treat protozoan infections, and what additional measures can help prevent these infections?
Antiprotozoal medications; additional measures include good hygiene, sanitation, and vector control
What is pathology?
The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
What are prions?
Misfolded proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases, are resistant to standard sterilization methods, and have no known cure.
A tapeworm is a p_______ and it's main source of nutrition is _________.
The best way to prevent a tapeworm infection is to:
1)
2)
3)
parasite
the host
1) good hygiene, such as washing hands
2) cooking food properly
3) regularly worm pets
How do prions spread, and why are they particularly difficult to control?
Through infected tissue, often from consuming contaminated meat; they are difficult to control because they are not living organisms and are very difficult to detect, and difficult to diagnose in affected people/animals
Are there any treatments for prion diseases, and what are the primary prevention strategies?
No, there are no treatments for prion diseases; primary prevention strategies include regulations in food production and safety measures
What are vaccines?
Help prevent certain viral infections by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight the virus