Pathogens

4 types Virus Bacteria Fungi Protozoa

Virus The smallest and simplest Pathogen Examples include: Common Cold, Influenza, Chicken Pox, Measles, etc. Viral Video

Bacteria Simple one-celled organisms Treated with antibiotics Examples include: Staphylococcus aureus (Staph infection), Escherichia coli (E.coli), etc.

Fungus More complex organisms than bacteria Cannot make their own food Thrive in warm moist areas Examples: Athletes Foot, Ringworm, etc.

Protozoa One-celled organisms More complex than bacteria Examples: Plasmodium (causes malaria), Amoeba (most common protozoa)

How do you get sick? The spread of Pathogens Direct Contact Indirect Contact

Direct Contact When a person touches an infected: Animal Contact must be via infected blood or bodily fluids

Indirect Contact NO direct contact Spread through sneezing or coughs. Droplets from sneezes or coughs can travel 3 to 6 feet Contact with these droplets spreads the disease A vector can also transmit the disease A vector is an organism, such as an insect, that carries the disease from one place to another. Example: Mosquito carrying West Nile Virus or Deer Tick carrying Lyme Disease

Stopping the Spread How can we stop the spread of disease? Brainstorm activity: How can we stop the spread of disease?