Communicable disease Flashcards
What are pathogens ?
They are microorganisms that enter the body and cause disease
What are the 4 different type of pathogens ?
Bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi
What are bacteria ?
They are very small cells ( 1/100th of body cells ) that can reproduce rapidly
How does bacteria make you feel ill ?
The produce toxins that damage your cells and tissues
What are viruses ?
They are tiny things that reproduce rapidly inside your body. They are not cells, they are much smaller. They live inside cells
How do viruses make you feel ill ?
They live inside of cells then duplicate until the cell bursts releasing the virus. The cell damage is what makes you feel ill
What are protists ?
They are single celled eukaryotes, there are lots of different eukaryotes many are parasites
How do protists make you feel ill ?
parasites live on or inside other organisms which can cause them damage
How are protists diseases transferred ?
By a vector which doesn’t the disease itself ( e.g. a mosquito carrying malaria )
What are 3 ways pathogens can spread ?
- water 2. air 3. direct contact
