Communicable (Infectious) Diseases Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism that causes infectious (communicable) disease.

What four types of pathogen cause communicable disease?

Viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.

Name three ways pathogens can be spread.

By direct contact, by water and by air.

How do bacteria make us feel ill?

They reproduce rapidly inside the body and produce poisons (toxins) that damage tissues.

How do viruses make us feel ill?

They live and reproduce inside cells, causing cell damage.

True or false? Communicable diseases can be passed from one organism to another.

True. They are caused by pathogens, which can be spread between animals or between plants.