1. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
disease – any condition that interferes with the proper function of the body or mind
communicable disease – (contagious) a disease that can be spread to a person from another person, an animal, or an object
noncommunicable disease – not contagious
germs – organisms that are so small that the can be seen only through a microscope
Are all germs bad for you? no

2. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
pathogens – the germs that are responsible for causing disease
infection – a condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and damage body cells
4 types of pathogens:

3. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
4 types of pathogens:
viruses – the smallest and simplest disease-causing organism
bacteria – tiny one-celled organisms that live nearly everywhere
fungi – primitive life-forms, such as molds or yeast, that cannot make their own food (athlete’s foot)
protozoa – one-celled organisms that have a more complex structure than bacteria

4. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
2 microscopic pathogens:
viruses
bacteria
2 macroscopic pathogens:
fungi
protozoa

5. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
Pathogens and the diseases they cause:
Viruses:
AIDS, chicken pox, colds, hepatitis, herpes, influenza, measles, mononucleosis, mumps, polio, rabies, smallpox, viral pneumonia
Bacteria:
Bacterial pneumonia, diphtheria, most foodborne illnesses, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, pinkeye, step throat, tuberculosis
Fungi:
Athlete’s foot, ringworm
Protozoa:
Amebic dysentery, malaria

6. 12.1 Notes – Causes of Communicable Diseases
How can pathogens spread?
Getting bitten by an infected animal
Sexual contact
Sharing blood
Drinking or eating something after someone is sick
E-coli, food poisoning
Kissing, touching
Sneezing, coughing