04. Pathogens

What is a pathogen?

An organism that causes disease

What are most pathogens?

Microorganisms

What can pathogens be?

Infectious - They can pass from one individual to another and cause disease

How can pathogens pass?

Can pass between organisms of the same or different species

What are not all pathogens?

Infectious

Why aren’t all pathogens infectious?

You can’t catch acne which is caused by pathogens

How can pathogens spread?

Dirty water, aerosol infection, insects, contaminated food, direct contact and bodily fluids, sex

How can pathogens spread due to aerosol infection?

Sneezing, coughing, talking, breathing due to tiny droplets in air inhaled

How can pathogens spread due to insects?

They’re vectors of disease which can pick up infection when biting one person

How can pathogens spread due to contaminated food?

Bacteria causes disease when swallowed

How can pathogens spread due to direct contact + bodily fluid?

Skin on skin contact or bodily fluids like saliva, semen, vagina fluid and blood