Medical Interventions Study Guide

Pathogenic Organisms

Organisms capable of causing disease in a host

The five types of pathogenic organisms

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and worms

Bacteria

Small single celled organisms that are not all considered pathogenic and can be used to make food or in genetic engineering

Bacteria Illnesses

Pneumonia, tetanus, cholera, black plague, and leprosy

Bacteria structure

Lack membrane bound organelles, unicellular, microscopic

Where bacteria exist

Digestive system and body

How bacteria enter body

Openings in the skin or through airways

Viruses

Nucleic acid wrapped in protein that is nonliving, cell-less, and needs a host to survive/replicate DNA

How viruses can be beneficial

Can destroy harmful bacteria

Virus illnesses

Flu, Ebola, Warts, and Chicken Pox

Protozoa

Microscopic, single celled organisms which are larger and more complex than bacteria

Shapes protozoa can take

Amoeba and paramecium

Amoeba

Changes shape

Paramecium

Fixed shape

Protozoa in nature vs. human body?

Can be beneficial in nature but in the body can have horrible consequences

Protozoa illnesses

Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, Malaria, and Chagas

Why can Protozoa be parasitic?

Lack of cell wall

Fungi

Multicellular decomposers

Where can Fungi be found?

Soil, air and water

Examples of Fungi

Yeast and Mold

How many Fungi are known to be pathogenic to humans?

About 300 types

Examples of Fungal Infections

Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, Jock Itch, Yeast Infections, and Thrush

Environments Fungi Prefer

Humid, damp environments

Where are Fungal infections most common?

Feet, groin, inner thighs, armpits and buttocks

Worms

Small parasitic multicellular creatures which can be seen by the naked eye

When do worms become parasitic?

When they enter the body though ingestion, living off of host’s nutrients

Where are worms commonly found?

Intestines

Causes of infections from worms

Infected undercooked meat, contaminated water, and placing dirty hands in mouth

Illnesses caused by worms

Giardiasis, schistosomiasis, and amebiasis