Pathogens and How They Cause Disease Flashcards

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What is a pathogen?

A pathogen is a microorganism, or virus, that causes disease.

What are the four main types of pathogen that infect humans?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists.

What is meant by an infectious (communicable) disease?

A disease that is caused by pathogens and can spread from one person to another.

In disease, what is a host?

The host is the living thing that a pathogen lives in or on.

What is the difference between infection and disease?

Infection is when a pathogen enters the body and begins to multiply; disease is when this causes damage and symptoms.

What usually happens to pathogens after they enter the body?

They reproduce, spread through the body and start to damage cells or make toxins.

Name two main ways that pathogens cause damage in the body.

They can kill or damage body cells, and they can make toxins that harm tissues.

What are toxins in the context of disease?

Toxins are poisons made by some pathogens that damage cells and cause symptoms.

Why can even a small number of pathogens make you feel very ill?

Because they can reproduce very quickly inside the body, so their numbers rise fast and cause a lot of damage.

Why might you get symptoms like fever, swelling or pain when you have an infection?

Because pathogens damage your tissues and your immune system reacts, causing heat, swelling and pain.