Disease

Research
task
By Ashley
 What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a virus or organism that causes a
disease.
Here are some examples of diseases
caused by pathogens:
- Salmonella
- Athletes foot
- Malaria
How are pathogens
spread?
Pathogens are transmitted through:
- Cominated food or water - Cholera
- Water droplets (air borne)- Covid 19
- Exchange of bodily fluids - HIV/ AIDS
- Animals and insects - Malaria
 Pathogenic
Fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans is a form of meningitis and is
common in people who have a compromised immunity . For
example people with HIV/AIDS.
This pathogenic fungus is transmitted through contact with
infected persons , unwashed fruit or pigeon droppings.
Symptoms include: headache , fatigue , fever , confusion,
excessive sweating at night , skin rash and etc.
Cryptococcus neoformans can be treated with antibiotics /
antifungal agents such as Fluconazole. Although, the
medications periods last 2 years to a lifetime .
 Pathogenic Bacteria
Gastroenteritis is a pathogenic bacteria . It is commonly
known as Gastro or infectious diarrhea.
It is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine . It is
most common in children but can occur at all ages.
Symptoms for Gastroenteritis are: diarrhea, fever,
vomiting , dehydration.
The symptoms normally last for two weeks or less.

IT IS NOT AN INFLUENZA - this can be mistaken because of the name “stomach

flu”
Infectious diarrhea is transmitted through , drinking contaminated water, or
contact with an infected person . If you have food poisoning there is a chance of
have Gastroenteritis.
Treatment - is not needed as it you can recover after 1- 2 weeks
 Pathogenic Virus
Once pathogenic viruses infect human cells , they begin to replicate
and spread. This can cause serious diseases such as Ebolavirus

The Ebola Virus also known as Ebola or EDV is a rare deadly found mainly in Africa. It is a
animal- borne virus.
The disease is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, or direct contact with
infected dead animals or persons . It is a disease that can replicate in the human body.

Symptoms of Ebola are : sore throat, unexplained bleeding and bruising , fatigue , fever ,
severe headache , diarrhea , vomiting and etc.
Treatment - there is no current treatment to cure Ebola. Although people with high
immune responses can recovery. Recovery can last between 2 - 20 days.
Once the virus enters the human body it can persist in bodily fluids even after recovery .
It can then be re transmitted and can be found in the blood after 10 years.
 Pathogenic Protists
Trypanosomiasis, is also known as sleeping sickness . It is caused parasites are
transmitted by tsetse flies. It is found in the sub- Saharan African countries such
as Uganda or Congo.

Forms of Transmission :
- Tsetse flies containing the parasite. Can infect animals , wild or domestic.
- Mother to child
- Unlikely by sexual contact but is possible.

Symptoms - First stage :

Headache , joint pains , enlarged lymph nodes itching , fever are all seen in patients

Second stage :
Confusion, sensory disturbances , changes of behaviour and sleep cycle can occur .

Treatment - without proper care, many die to this fatal disease. Depends on the stage of illness , first
stage require Pentamidine or Suramin . These can cause allergic reactions and worse side effects.
Second stage requires Nifurtimox , Eflornithine and other medications.
 Leptospirosis - pathogenic bacteria
How to avoid getting infected ?
If a hurricane or flood has occurred, insure that you have a clean source of water . Do not drink
from uncertain water bodies or sources . Do not let animals drink the contaminated water. Do
not bathe in the water . Try to find canned food in case of an emergency. Wear waterproof
clothing such as boots insure skin does not touch the contaminated water. Cover any cuts or
wound that are likely to get infected. Feeling sick, do you have these symptoms ?
- Muscle ashes
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Red eyes
- Cough
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain.
If you have any of these symptoms , seek medical attention . If not
It can be treated with antibiotics attended to , it can cause kidney and liver failure, bleeding ,
prescribed by the doctor. meningitis and other fatal illnesses .