Pathogens

• Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
• Bacteria are single-celled organisms. They reproduce rapidly in favourable conditions and can produce toxins harmful to your body’s cells.
• Viruses are much smaller than bacteria. They cannot reproduce on their own - they invade your cells and use your cell machinery to multiply. The cell is often destroyed in the process.
• Fungi can cause diseases such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Not all fungi are pathogenic; some are beneficial and play crucial roles in ecosystems.
• Protists are single-celled organisms, some of which can cause diseases. An example is the Plasmodium species which cause malaria.
• Pathogens can be spread in several ways: through the air, by water, by physical contact, and by animals acting as vectors.
• Hygiene practises are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases. These include washing hands regularly, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of tissues hygienically.
• Methods to control diseases caused by pathogens include isolating infected individuals, destroying or controlling vectors that spread the disease, and vaccination.
• Vaccination allows your immune system to ‘learn’ how to fight off a specific pathogen. A vaccine contains a weakened or harmless version of the relevant pathogen that triggers an immune response, producing memory cells.
• If the same pathogen is encountered in the future, the body can respond quickly and effectively to prevent the disease.