Pathogens

• Communicable diseases are spread from person to person . They are infectious .

• Communicable diseases are spread by pathogens .

• Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious diseases .

• Pathogens include bacteria , viruses , fungi and Protists .

How does bacteria makes us ill :

• step 1 - once they are inside the human body bacteria reproduces very rapidly .

• step 2 - The bacteria then release harmful chemicals called toxins .

• step 3 - Toxins then damage the tissues and make us feel ill .

• viruses cannot reproduce by themselves . They can only reproduce inside a host cell.

• step 4 - First virus Invades the host cell .Then it reproduces inside the host cell .

• This is damaging to the host cell . When the virus leaves the cell it can burst open and die .

How do Pathogens spread :

• Some Pathogens are spread in the air eg in water droplets .

• Other Pathogens are spread in directly water eg cholera .

• Some Pathogens are spread by direct contact between individuals .

How to reduce Pathogens :

• Washing your hands regularly before eating can reduce the spread of pathogens .

• Providing people with clean drinking water can also reduce the spread of pathogens .

• In the UK people drinking water contains chlorine which kills microbes.

• In case of highly infectious disease such as Ebola , Patients may be isolated. This prevents the pathogens from spreading to other people .

• we can also reduce the spread of pathogens by vaccinations .

Pathogens