Desease Biology Flashcards
What is a pathogen
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and Protists (or protoctists) are all examples of what?
Pathogens
How do bacteria reproduce?
Binary fission
Give an example of a harmful bacteria
Salmonella or gonorrhoea(an std)
What can bacterial infections be treated by?
Antibiotics
Give an example of an antibiotic
Penicillin
How do viruses reproduce?
Entering our cells as taking them over(often damaging or destroying them in the process)
Do antibiotics destroy viruses?
NO! they are only effective against bacteria.
Why do antibiotics such as penicillin not destroy viruses?
Because viruses are inside human cells meaning that the antibiotics can’t reach them.
How do you get rid of a virus?
You must kill the infected cell
If viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics, how do antiviral drugs work?
The prevent the spread of the virus in the body
What are most fungal infections caused by?
Most fungal infections are caused by pathogenic species of yeast
What is malaria caused by?
A protest called plasmodium which is carried in the saliva of certain species of mosquito.
What is the name for a being that carries a pathogen from person to person?
A vector
What are the four ways of spreading pathogens?
Direct contact, droplet infection, contaminated food or drink and through a break in the skin.
