What is pathogen? A microorganism with the potential to cause disease is referred to as a pathogen. Infectious agents is another name for pathogens because they cause disease.
A pathogen requires a host to grow and survive. The immune system of the human body protects the body from infections. The body’s immune system can easily defeat pathogens, but some have the potential to cause disease and even be lethal.
When such a pathogen enters a host’s body, it skips the immune system’s defenses and uses the host’s resources to replicate before leaving and infecting a new host.
Depending on the type, there are various methods by that pathogens can be spread. These include transmission via skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, airborne particles, and infected surfaces.
Now, when you have developed a basic understanding of what is pathogen, we will explain different types of pathogens, what diseases they cause, and their transmission.
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Types of pathogens – How do they work?
Now that you know what is pathogen, let’s move on main types of pathogenic microorganisms and how they work:
1- Pathogenic bacteria
Bacteria are tiny pathogens that quickly multiply once they enter the body. They are capable of releasing toxins that harm tissues and spread disease.
They are incredibly diverse, come in a wide range of forms and characteristics, and may exist in almost any setting, including inside of and on top of your body.
However, not all bacteria are harmful. There are many different kinds of benign bacteria in the body, some of which may even support vital physiological processes. Those bacteria that can cause infection are called pathogenic bacteria.
Some examples of pathogenic bacteria examples are:
- Bacterial meningitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Tuberculosis
- Cellulitis
- Gonorrhea
- Bacterial gastroenteritis, for example, food poisoning
- Lyme disease
2- Viruses
A virus is smaller than bacteria. It enters the host cell and multiplies, creating millions upon thousands of fresh viruses that proceed to infect further host cells.
There are several ways viruses work to spread from person to person, including:
- via respiratory droplets that enter the air
- via contact with the blood of an infected person
- via contact with the body fluids of an infected person
Examples of pathogenic viruses and diseases include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Herpes (both oral and genital)
- Measles
- Chicken pox
- Warts
- Meningitis
- AIDS
- Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
- Yellow fever
- Viral gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus and norovirus
3- Fungi
On Earth, there are countless varieties of fungi. Fungi can be found on plants, in water, the air, and the soil. When they expand too much, they spread infection.
In the natural world, fungi release spores into the atmosphere to proliferate. The spores can enter your lungs or land on your skin where they can proliferate and create issues like fungal pneumonia or a rash if you inhale them or come into contact with them.
Some examples of a fungal infection include:
- Ringworm
- Athlete’s foot
- Thrush
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)
4- Parasites
What is pathogenic parasite? It is an animal-like organism commonly known as a parasite. Parasites usually live inside or on top of their hosts and take advantage of them by feeding on them or causing harm to them.
Despite being more prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, parasite diseases can happen anywhere.
There are three main types of parasites that cause human sickness. These are:
- Helminths: They are more extensive, multicellular organisms that can live inside or outside of your body and are frequently referred to as worms
- Protozoa: They are single cellular organisms that can survive and increase in your body
- Ectoparasites: They are multicellular organisms that reside on or feed off of your skin. Examples of pathogenic ectoparasites are some insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes.
In addition to contaminated food, water, soil, and blood, they can also spread through sexual contact and insect bites.
Here are some examples of parasitic diseases:
- Malaria
- Lice
- Toxoplasmosis
- Intestinal worms
How do pathogens spread?
Infectious agents are spread typically by human actions. These may include:
- Sneezing or coughing into your hands before touching other objects or people.
- Through food, while cooking with contaminated hands
- Eating raw food
- After stroking an animal or while changing your child’s diaper
- Direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity might result in STDs (STIs)
- Consuming contaminated food or water which may result in the direct entry of infectious microorganisms into the body through the gut
- Bug bites, for instance, mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus can spread the disease, and ticks carrying pathogenic bacteria can spread Lyme disease if they bite a person
How do protect against pathogens?
As mentioned above, your body has incredible defense mechanisms to fend against infections. For instance, nose hair serves as a filter to prevent some pathogens from entering the body.
The most robust line of defense you have against pathogens, though, is a robust immune system. To support its efforts, you should concentrate on daily healthy behaviors, including eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Likewise, follow these sensible health-maintenance measures to protect yourself against pathogenic microorganisms:
1- Wash your hand hands often
Regular hand washing is essential for preventing the transmission of disease. You should wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
It is crucial to do this after petting animals, engaging in outdoor activities, using the restroom, caring for sick individuals, or sneezing or coughing.
2- Stay home when ill
When you are ill, especially if you have a fever, diarrhea, or are vomiting, stay at home. This will lessen the likelihood of spreading a pathogen.
3- Stay updated with the vaccines
Vaccines are available for infants, children, and adults against contagious diseases like influenza, whooping cough, and measles. These vaccines may help stimulate the immune system to identify germs, eliminate them, and stop further infections. Therefore, get vaccinated.
4- Keep surfaces clean
Contaminated surfaces or items can cause the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, always keep kitchen counters and other surfaces spotless. Additionally, there may be a lot of infectious organisms in the restrooms. Keep them clean too!!
5- Don’t share personal items
Never exchange intimate goods like toothbrushes or razors. Also, never share utensils or drinking glasses.
6- Protect yourself against insect bites
Insect repellent and smart clothes, such as long-sleeved shirts, slacks, and hats, can help people avoid getting bitten by insects in places where they are likely to encounter them.
Get to know about home remedies for bug bites.
7- Cook foods properly
Raw meat or eggs can cause infections. Therefore, prepare and cook them well.
8- Practise safe intercourse
Make sure to use condoms and get routine sexual health exams to prevent the risk of getting STIs.
What if you get infected? When to see a doctor?
If there are symptoms of an infection or if above mentioned preventive measures are not working, you must speak with a medical expert. The doctor will rule out the cause of infection and provide medical treatment accordingly.
Depending upon the type of infectious agent, the following treatments are done:
For bacterial infection
To treat pathogenic bacterial illnesses, doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics, but certain germs are evolving resistance to these medications, making it challenging to treat patients. This can occur spontaneously, but it can also occur as a result of excessive antibiotic use.
For viral infection
Virus treatments vary based on the infection kind. The virus in your body won’t often be killed by therapies. However, your doctor may recommend you manage your symptoms while you wait for the virus to finish its course or for a flare-up to pass. These include taking medication, getting enough rest, and boosting your immunity such as against COVID-19.
For fungal infection
A very potent antifungal drug may be prescribed by your doctor if you have a severe fungal infection (fungicide). Even though certain medications, like amphotericin, have severe side effects, they may be required for severe fungal infections.
For parasitic infection
With anti-parasitic medications, doctors can treat parasites. The kind of treatment that can be utilized depends on the parasite. Your general health, age, weight, and other considerations need to be taken into account by your doctor.
So, if you are experiencing any infectious symptoms, you may consult with the best physicians near you. You can make an appointment via Healthwire.
5 Interesting facts about pathogens
Moving on next, let’s share some more facts about infectious agents.
1- Pathogens are abundantly present globally
Even some experts have an estimation that our planet contains more viruses than there are stars in the entire universe. However, it is mentioned in a research review that there are 1400 human pathogens.
2- Infectious agents can cause cancer
Yes, some infections can lead to cancer. Epstein-Barr Virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human papillomaviruses are a few examples.
Additionally, they can impair regular biological processes or weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of cancer.
3- Microorganisms are beneficial for health too!
The majority of these microbes do not harm your health. Even some of them are useful; for instance, probiotics are bacteria that are good for our gut health.
4- Pathogens can get infected too!
Bacteria are an example of microorganisms that can get infected by viruses that attack bacteria for their survival.
5- The body’s natural microbes are different from pathogens
Your body is already teeming with bacteria. However, these organisms only become an issue if your immune system is compromised. Different from these organisms, pathogens can spread disease once they enter the body.
