Middle school Life science- Immune system

Noninfectious disease

A disease not caused by pathogens that cannot be spread from person to person (e.g., cancer, diabetes).

Infectious disease

A disease caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one organism to another.

Examples of noninfectious diseases

Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Examples of infectious diseases

Influenza, the common cold, and strep throat.

Pathogen

A microorganism or agent, such as a bacterium or virus, that causes disease.

Four types of pathogens

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system that identifies and neutralizes foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Bacteria

Single-celled microscopic organisms lacking a distinct nucleus, some of which cause disease.

Diseases caused by bacteria

Strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections.

Fungus

Spore-producing organisms including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms that can sometimes cause infections.

Diseases caused by a fungus

Athlete's foot and ringworm.

Virus

A submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms.

Diseases caused by a virus

Influenza, chickenpox, and the common cold.

Parasite

An organism that lives in or on another organism (host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.

Examples of parasites

Tapeworms and ticks.

Antibiotic

A type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

Infections treated with antibiotics

Bacterial infections (antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections).

Immune System

The body's defense network of cells, tissues, and organs that fight off pathogens and infections.

Disease transmission methods

Direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated food or water.

Stopping disease transmission

Washing hands frequently, getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and staying home when sick.

Preventing bacterial food infections

Cooking food to safe temperatures, washing hands and kitchen surfaces, and refrigerating leftovers promptly.

Immune system response to a pathogen

Pathogens enter the body, white blood cells and macrophages detect them, T-cells and B-cells activate, antibodies are produced to neutralize the threat, and memory cells form for future protection.