Pathogens

Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms, biological agents, and germs that are infectious and can cause illness and diseases in humans. They can host and cause a condition called pathogenicity, and these are tiny organisms found all over the world. Moreover, if a pathogen enters the body, there are chances that the host may get sick or even encounter a deadly disease. 

The severity of diseases caused by pathogens varies from person to person, as some infections are mild and easily curable, whereas other infections can be life-threatening.
Pathogens example: The common cold is a mild and viral infection, compared to the Ebola virus, coronavirus, HIV, Zika virus and HIV. In that case, Anthrax and others are a host of pathogens that may enter the body and cause a lethal disease. 

Effects of  pathogens

Pathogens can bring several different diseases and illnesses, whereas some are lethal and some are mild. It can become life-threatening because human bodies are nutrient-rich, and it offers a pathogen with an environment in which it can grow and multiply. 

Spread of pathogens 

Pathogens can spread in several ways. Majorly, it spreads through air, water, skin-to-skin contact or through sexual contact.

Coughing and sneezing are also ways through which pathogens may spread as tiny droplets in the air. The droplets released into the air contain microorganisms that other people breathe. These microorganisms can go straight to the person’s stomach if a person is consuming contaminated water or food. 

Infected insect bites can also cause diseases and illnesses; for example, if ticks with a bacterial infection bite a human body, it may give Lyme disease. Furthermore, a mosquito with a viral infection bite may cause zika virus disease. 

Types of pathogens

If a human encounters a pathogen, it may cause disease and make the human its host. A pathogen is also known as an infectious agent, and it is another pathogens definition as they cause severe to mild infections. Pathogens survive and reproduce inside a human body. 

When the human body’s immune system acts defensive against pathogens, it can easily fight off some pathogens. However, some of them are potentially dangerous. 

Bacteria 

Bacteria is one of the most microscopic pathogens that reproduce as soon as it enters the human body. They release toxins that damage the human body tissues and later cause the illness. To treat bacterial infections, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, but some bacteria are resistant to these medicines and become immune to them. 

There are already several types of harmless bacterias in our body, and not all types of bacterias are pathogenic. Some bacterias also support essential body functions and ensure smooth physical operations. 

Some common bacterial infections are:- 

  • Bacterial Pneumonia 

  • Food poisoning 

  • Salmonellosis 

  • Chlamydia 

  • Gonorrhoea 

  • Streap throat 

  • Urinary tract infections 

Viruses 

Viruses are smaller than bacteria, and they invade inside the host’s cells. Later, it replicates itself and produces thousands of new viruses prepared to infect and host more cells. Viruses have the potential to pass from one person to another in several ways, such as: 

  • Through the respiratory system from the droplets that travel in the air 

  • Through contact with the blood of a person suffering from an infection 

  • Through contact with the body fluids of someone who is already infected 

Some of the viral diseases are; 

  • COVID-19

  • Warts 

  • Common cold 

  • Stomach flu 

  • Hepatitis C 

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Fungi 

Fungi have many  species, and some can cause diseases in humans, such as common fungal skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. These illnesses can be contagious and spread from person to person through direct skin contact. 

Research has found that fungal pathogens can evolve with memory; they can use the body signals to understand imminent threats to their survival to prepare themselves against them. 

Some of the most common fungal infections are;  

  • Yeast infections

  • Athlete’s foot 

  • Nail fungus 

  • Ringworm 

  • Subcutaneous 

  • Systemic 

Protist 

These are known as single-cell organisms that cause disease in their host, infecting other organisms to survive and reproduce. Protist pathogens can potentially affect food crops and plants, and Protist pathogens can also be parasitic and live in other organisms such as mosquitoes. 

Some of the most common protists infections are; 

  • Dysentery 

  • Diarrhoea 

  • Malaria 

Parasitic worms 

Parasitic worms are also known as helminths. They are large enough for people to see and live in many body areas with their eyes. 

Some of the most common parasitic worms are; 

  • Flatworms 

  • Tapeworms 

  • Thorny head worms 

  • Roundworms 

Prevention of spread of diseases

A human body comes with a unique defensive system against pathogens. Filters such as nose hair try to stop these germs from getting inside our bodies. There are a few healthy habits and precautions that we can take to prevent pathogens from entering our body and making us its host of diseases. 

  • Wash hands often

  • Get vaccinated and make sure the vaccinations are up to date

  • Prepare, cook and store the food in a hygienic way

  • Be at home if you are feeling sick, especially if you are suffering from diarrhoea and fever

  • Do not share your items with others, such as toothbrushes, razors, etc.

  • Do not share drinking glasses with others

  • Keep yourself protected against insect bites 

  • Practise safe sex

  • Travel wisely, keep yourself well informed about possible health risks and take special vaccinations, if needed

Conclusion

 Pathogens are microorganisms that causes diseases.The pathogenic agents are bacteria,virus,protist,fungi and parasitic worm that cause many diseases.The pathogens can spread through air,water and through sexual contact. There are many ways to prevent the spread of the pathogens.

 

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