Germs and Disease Disease-any condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the body or mind. Communicable disease-disease that can be spread to a person from another person, animal, or object. Germs-organisms that are so small that they can be seen only through a microscope. Pathogens-germs responsible for causing diseases. Infections-condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and damage body cells.

Types of Pathogens Viruses-the smallest and simplest disease-causing organisms, causing a wide range of health problems. AIDS -Influenza -Rabies Chicken Pox -Measles -Smallpox Colds -Mononucleosis -Viral Hepatitis -Mumps Pneumonia Herpes -Polio

Types of Pathogens Bacteria-tiny one-celled organisms that live nearly everywhere. Some are harmless and some are helpful, but can cause disease. Bacterial pneumonia Diphtheria Food borne illness Gonorrhea Lyme disease Pinkeye Strep throat Tuberculosis

Types of Pathogens Fungi-primitive life-forms, such as molds or yeasts, that can’t make their own food. Athlete’s foot Ringworm

Types of Pathogens Protozoa-one-celled organisms that have a more complex structure than bacteria. Amebic dysentery Malaria

How Pathogens Are Spread Direct contact with others. Skin to skin contact. Colds are spread if you touch someone’s hand that has sneezed or coughed into their hand, then you touch your eyes or nose. Indirect contact Breathing in germs from a sneeze. Sharing drinking glasses, food, eating utensils. Touching a surface that is contaminated, doorknob, phone, ect.

How Pathogens Are Spread Contact with animals or insects. Being bit by a rabid animal. Being bit by a deer tick may transmit Lyme disease. Contaminated food and water. Undercooked meat may result in E. coli bacteria, which could result in death.

How Pathogens Are Spread Contact with someone else’s blood. Through body contact or sharing of needles. HIV Hepatitis Sexual contact. Certain diseases are transmitted through sexual contact. We will discuss this more in Lesson 4