Causes of Disease Pathogens The scientific name for

Causes of Disease

Pathogens • The scientific name for “germ” • An organism that causes disease • 4 main types of pathogens – Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites

Bacteria • Prokaryotic (no nuclues) • Unicellular • Found everywhere (soil, water, air, human body, etc…) • Reproduce quickly • Most are not harmful, some can be helpful – Make yogurt, help you digest food

• Classified based on their shape – Round (coccus) – Rod (bacillus) – Spiral (spirillum)

Virus • A very small particle made up of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid) • NOT alive! • Each virus can only infect a specific type of cell. • Why do viruses want to get inside a living cell? – To reproduce!!!

Virus Reproduction 5. 1. 4. 3. 2.

Parasites • Any organism that has a harmful relationship with a host organism • Caused by many different types or organisms – Fungi – Protists – Mites, ticks or lice – Parasitic worms

Diseases caused by Viruses • • Pox (chicken pox, small pox, cow pox) Influenza (flu) Common cold Polio Yellow fever West Nile Ebola Rabies

Diseases caused by Bacteria • • Bubonic (Black)Plague Food Poisoning Lyme Disease Tetanus Tuberculosis Strep Throat Typhoid Fever

Diseases caused by Fungi • Athlete’s Foot • Ringworm

Diseases caused by Parasitic Worms • • Hookworm Tape worm Pinworm Heartworm

Diseases caused by Protists • Giardia • Amoebic dysentery • Malaria