Topic 3-Infection And Response Flashcards
(95 cards)
Pathogens
Pathogens are microorganisms that enter the body and cause disease
Pathogens cause communicable disease-what is a communicable disease
Diseases that can be easily spread
What can be infected by pathogens
Both plants and animals
What are the four types of pathogen
Bacteria
Viruses
Protists
Fungi
What are bacteria
Very small cells which can reproduce rapidly in your body
What can bacteria do
They can make you feel ill by producing toxins that damage your cells and tissues
What are viruses
They are not cells but they are tiny. They also can reproduce rapidly inside the body
How to viruses work
They live inside your cells and replicate themselves. The cell will then burst, releasing all the new viruses. This cell damage is what makes you feel ill
What are protists
They are single-celled eukaryotes
How do protists work
Some protists are parasites. Parasites live on or inside other organisms and can cause them damage. They are often transferred to the organism by a vector, which doesn’t get the disease itself (eg an insect)
What are fungi
Some fungi are single celled. Others have a body which is made up of hyphae
What do hyphae do
These hyphae grow and penetrate human skin and the surface of plants, causing diseases. The hyphae can produce spores, which can be spread to other plants and animals
What are the ways pathogens can be spread
Water
Air
Direct contact
How are pathogens spread through water
Some pathogens can be picked up from drinking or bathing in dirty water.
How can pathogens be spread by air
Pathogens can be carried in the air and breathed in. Some airborne pathogens are carried in the air in droplets produced when you sneeze or cough
How can pathogens be spread by direct contact
Some pathogens can be picked up by touching contaminated surfaces, including skin
Is measles a viral, fungal, bacterial or protist disease
Viral
How is measles spread
It is spread by droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough
What does measles do
People with measles develop a red skin rash, and they show signs of a fever. Measles can be very serious if there are complications. For example it can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
Most people are vaccinated against measles when they are young
Is HIV a viral, fungal, bacterial or protist disease
Viral
How is HIV spread
It is spread by sexual contact or by exchanging bodily fluids such as blood eg by sharing needles
What does HIV do
Initially it can cause flu like symptoms for the first few weeks.
How can HIV be controlled
By using antiretroviral drugs which stop the virus replicating in the body.
How does HIV work
It attacks the immune cells