Pathogens Flashcards
What are the two classifications for pathogens?
- Cellular pathogens (Living)
- Non-cellular pathogens (Non-living)
What are all the types of pathogens?
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Protozoa
- Fungi
- Prions
- Multi-cellular pathogens
Describe the characteristics for Bacteria.
2 characteristics
- Living, uni-cellular pathogens
- Prokaryotic organisms (no nucleus)
How do bacteria cause disease?
Produce toxins that cause damage to cells/tissue
What are the 3 main types of bacteria - briefly describe them
- Coccus - round shaped
- Bacillus - rod shaped
- Spirochete - spiral shaped
Give some examples of bacterial diseases
- Tetanus
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Syphilis
- Meningitis
- Bubomic Plague
- Gangrene
- Staph
State characteristics of Viruses
2 characteristics
- Non-living, non-cellular pathogens
- Contain either DNA or RNA
How do viruses reproduce/cause disease
Replicate by infecting host cells with their own viral DNA or RNA and causing cell to produce copies of virus until cell bursts.
State some diseases caused by viruses.
- Polio
- Measles
- Chicken Pox
- AIDS
- Mumps
- Influenza
- Hepatitis
Describe characteristics of Protozoa
2 characteristics
- Living, uni-cellular pathogens
- Eukaryotic organisms (have nucleus)
How do protozoans cause disease?
Absorb nutrients from hosts and other methods
Give some examples of disease caused by protozoans
- Malaria
- Ameobic dysentery
- Giardiasis
Describe characteristics of Fungi
- Living, multi-cellular pathogens
- Eukaryotic organisms (have nucleus)
How do Fungi cause disease?
Release enzymes and digest organic matter externally before consuming it as nutrients. Thse enzymes breaking down organic matter damages cells/tissue causing disease.
Give some examples of disease caused by Fungi.
- Thrush
- Ringworm
- Tinea
- Athlete’s Foot