Types of pathogens Flashcards
What is the structure of viruses?
Protein and sometimes lipid shell around nucleotide (DNA and RNA)
How do viruses work?
They use host cell machinery to replicate
How are viruses treated?
Vaccines or antivirals
What are bacterium?
A prokaryote with no nucleus and multiple lifestyles
What is the structure of bacterium?
Unicellular in large numbers which are found everywhere
How do bacterium work?
They can damage tissues and release toxins
How are bacterium treated?
Improved sanitation or antibiotics
What are fungi?
A eukaryote with a nucleus
What is the structure of fungi?
They are multicellular with huge size/shape variation
How do fungi work?
Form a hyphae network and reproduce by spores so they can grow in tissues and externally digest them
How do you treat fungi?
Anti-fungals
What are protozoal parasites?
Two or more hosts
What is the structure of protozoal parasites?
Single cell eukaryotes with huge variation
How do protozoal parasites work?
They infect body or blood of host and deprive of nutrients
How do you treat protozoal parasites?
Improved hygiene and avoid contamination but only some medication available
What is a multicellular parasite?
They have multiple life cycles
What is the structure of a multicellular parasite?
Multicellular, macroscopic including flatworms and roundworms
How do multicellular parasites work?
Egg, larvae and adult stages can infect humans by blocking intestine and taking nutrients
How do you treat multicellaur parasites
Oral medications and improved hygiene or sanitation
What is direct transmission?
It occurs through bodily fluids, water or droplets
What is indirect transmission?
Through airborne fluids, fomites, vectors and also water
What are social-economic factors of disease transmission?
Overcrowded living and working conditions, poor nutrition, poor disposal of waste and climate change which causes people to move