Pathogens & Their Transmissions

Question 1

What is a pathogen?

Answer 1

Microorganisms that cause communicable diseases

Question 2

Types of pathogen?

Answer 2

Bacteria, virus, fungi, protoctista

Question 3

Examples of diseases caused by bacteria

Answer 3

Tuberculosis - effects the lungs
Bacterial meningitis - effects the brain
Ring rot - kills potatoes & tomatoes

Question 4

Examples of diseases caused by viruses

Answer 4

Tobacco mosaic virus - effects plant leaves
Influenza - in humans & animals
HIV causes AIDS - effects the immune system

Question 5

Examples of diseases caused by fungi

Answer 5

Athlete’s foot- effects the skin of the feet
Cattle ringworm - effects skin of cattle
Black sigatoka - kills banana plants

Question 6

Examples of diseases caused by protoctista

Answer 6

Malaria - effects red blood cells
Late blight - causes potatoes & tomatoes to decay

Question 7

Method of direct transmission of pathogens

Answer 7

Humans:
Direct contact e.g.- sexual transmission
Droplet spread e.g.- sneezing

Plants:
Direct contact

Question 8

Method of indirect transmission of pathogens

Answer 8

Humans:
Ingestion e.g.- contaminated food
Vectors e.g.-insects,water,air & spores

Plants:
Contaminated soil
Vectors (humans only extra vector)

Question 9

Factors affecting transmission

Answer 9

Humans:
Dense population
Few trained healthcare workers
Insufficient health education
Climate change

Plants:
Growing susceptible crops
Overcrowding
Crops grown in damp warm environments