Lesson 4: The Lymphatic and Immune Systems Chapter 5: Pathogenic Organisms

pathogens

microorganisms that cause infectious disease

bacteria

group of one-celled microscopic organisms

bacilli

rod shaped bacteria

cocci

sphere shaped bacteria

spirochetes

spiral shaped bacteria

How can disease causing bacteria enter the body?

airways, digestive tract, breaks in the skin, or during sexual contact

viruses

these microorganisms must invade living cells in order to survive and reproduce

fungi

microorganisms that include yeast and molds. in humans this can cause thrush, athletes foots and ringworm

parasites

microorganism that lives on or within a host organism and gets its food at the expense of its host

antibiotics

drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and are used to treat bacterial infections

antifungals

known as antimycotics, represent a large and diverse group of drugs used to treat fungal infections

antivirals

drugs that kills viruses or inhibit their ability to reproduce

vaccines

create antibodies that will be the same as those produced if the person is exposed to the pathogen