BY Team Aakash Byju's
What are Pathogens?
Explain in Detail?
Pathogens are derived from two Greek words, i.e. pathos – suffering and gene- to give birth.
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Disease-causing microorganisms are known as pathogens.
Pathogen
Generally, not all microorganisms are harmful. Some microorganisms are helpful to us, but some cause diseases.
Pathogens enter our body through the mouth, nose, eyes, urogenital openings or wounds.
Pathogens are categorized into five major groups. These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses and worms.
Types of Pathogens
Most bacteria are useful, but some bacteria cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Example:
Tuberculosis and Leprosy.
Bacterial Pathogens
Most fungi are saprophytes, but some fungi cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Example:
Cryptococcosis and Aspergillosis.
Fungal Pathogens
Some protozoa cause diseases in animals and human beings.
Example:
Malaria and Amoebic dysentery.
Protozoal Pathogens
Various groups of viruses cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Example:
Polio and Chickenpox.
Viral Pathogens
Some helminths live as parasites in the intestines of most animals.
Example:
Roundworms and Tapeworms.
Worm Pathogens