Module 7: Causes, Immunity, and Control of Infectious Disease

Pathogen

A disease-causing agent that is transmitted when moved from one host to another host.

Prion

A non-cellular misfolded protein lacking genetic material that induces misfolding in normal prions, damaging nervous tissue and causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Virus

A non-cellular pathogen ($30\text{--}300\text{ nm}$) containing DNA or RNA inside a protein capsid with surface antigens, which replicates inside host target cells causing cell lysis.

Bacteria

Unicellular prokaryotes covered in a capsule that rapidly multiply by binary fission and release toxins or mycotoxins that destroy host cells.

Protozoa

Unicellular