DISTINGUISHING PATHOGENIC ORGANISMS
Pathogenic organisms can be macroscopic or microscopic Macroscopic organisms: can be seen with the unaided eye Microorganisms: cannot be seen with the naked eye Pathogens: any organism that causes a disease Most pathogenic organisms are microscopic or just barely visible to the unaided eye Microscopic organisms include: Bacteria Viruses Fungus Parasites
Bacteria Cocci: spherical-shaped (ex: Streptococcus) Bacilli: rod-shaped (ex: Clostridium) Spirilli: spiral-shaped (ex: Treponema)
Virus Can be seen with an electron microscope Contain DNA or RNA Use the host cell to replicate Examples: Hepatitis Human papillomavirus (wart virus) Hantavirus (Korean hemorrhagic fever virus)
Fungi (Mycology) Microscopic Approximately 100 species are human pathogens Infects humans by inhalation or inoculation Examples: Yeast-Candida albicans Dermatophytes-Tinea capitis ringworm of the scalp
Macroscopic Organisms Parasite examples: Cestodes: Pork tapeworm Ex: Taenia solium Nematodes: Pinworm Ex: Enterobius vermicularis Trematodes: Intestinal flukes Ex: Clonorchis sinensis