Microorganisms and Pathogens

Introduction to Microorganisms

• Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protists, and fungi.
• Not all microorganisms cause problems; a small group called pathogens do.
• Pathogens: Microorganisms that can cause disease.
• Diseases caused by pathogens are known as communicable or infectious diseases.
• These diseases can affect both animals and plants.

Types of Pathogens

• Future videos will explore the four types of pathogens and examples of diseases they cause.
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Protists
  • Fungi

How Pathogens Spread

1. Through the Air

   • Airborne pathogens like influenza or measles virus spread through tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes.

2. Contaminated Food and Water

   • Cholera: Spread by drinking water contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person.
   • Salmonella: Spread by eating contaminated food, especially chicken.

3. Direct Contact

   • Athlete's Foot: A fungal infection spread by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces like public swimming pools.

Measures to Reduce Pathogen Spread

1. Hygiene

   • Wash hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
   • Clean cooking items like knives and chopping boards.

2. Killing Vectors

   • Vectors: Organisms that transport pathogens, e.g., mosquitoes for malaria.
   • Use insecticides to kill vectors.

3. Vaccination

   • Vaccinating everyone prevents them from catching and spreading the disease.

4. Quarantine

   • Isolating or quarantining individuals with serious diseases to prevent spread.

Recap

• Pathogens spread via air, contaminated food/water, or direct contact.
• Methods to reduce spread:
  • Maintain good hygiene.
  • Eliminate vectors.
  • Vaccinate the population.
  • Quarantine infected individuals.

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