Overview
This lecture covers types of microorganisms, focuses on pathogens, explains ways diseases are spread, and reviews prevention strategies.
Types of Microorganisms and Pathogens
- Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi.
- Only a small group of microorganisms, called pathogens, cause diseases.
- Pathogens are defined as microorganisms that can cause disease.
Disease Transmission
- Pathogens can be transmitted between people, causing communicable (infectious) diseases.
- Diseases can affect both animals and plants.
Methods of Pathogen Spread
- Pathogens spread through the air via droplets from coughing or sneezing (e.g., influenza, measles).
- Contaminated food and water can transmit diseases like cholera (via water) and salmonella (via food).
- Direct contact, such as touching infected surfaces, can spread diseases like athlete’s foot (fungal infection).
Preventing Disease Spread
- Good hygiene practices (handwashing, cleaning cooking utensils) reduce transmission.
- Killing vectors (organisms that carry pathogens), such as mosquitoes with insecticides, controls spread.
- Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent people from catching and spreading diseases.
- Isolation or quarantine is used for serious diseases to prevent further infection.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Microorganism — a tiny organism, including bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi.
- Pathogen — a microorganism that causes disease.
- Communicable (infectious) disease — a disease that can be transmitted from person to person.
- Vector — an organism that transports pathogens (e.g., mosquitoes).
- Vaccination — administering a vaccine to prevent disease.
- Quarantine — isolating infected individuals to prevent disease spread.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each pathogen type and diseases they cause in upcoming lessons.
- Practice identifying different transmission methods for given diseases.
- Study hygiene, vector control, vaccination, and quarantine as prevention strategies.