Pathogens are organisms that cause diseases. The human body has harmless microbes. These microbes only cause issues when the immune system is weak or when they enter any part of the body that is sterile. Pathogens need a host body for them to survive and grow. Unfortunately, they cause diseases once they enter the body. A pathogen can evade immune system responses and thrive before spreading to the body. Pathogens can be transferred in different ways depending on the kind. It can be through body fluids, skin contact, touching infected surfaces, or eating infected food. That is why DNA food testing is crucial to detect the presence of pathogens and eliminate them before the food is fit for consumption. This article will discuss different types of pathogens and the diseases they cause.
Virus
Viruses are created from DNA or RNA and are always coated with protein for protection. Once viruses find their way into the body, they attack the immune system and the host cells. They then use this habit to multiply. Once they have replicated, they are released from the cells, which destroys or damages them. Sometimes a person may seem to have recovered, and the symptoms disappear when viruses are dormant before they multiply again. Most people rush for antibiotics. Unfortunately, they cannot kill viruses. Depending on the virus type, a person must take antiviral medications or other viral treatments.
Viruses cause various infections that can sometimes be contagious. Viral diseases include flu, meningitis, measles, genital herpes, warts, hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, yellow fever, HIV and AIDS, etc.
Fungi
There are different types of fungi, and only 300 are known that cause diseases. You can find fungi anywhere, with some harmful and others not. Fungi are hard to treat because their cells have components protected by a thick membrane. Some fungi species are harmful and cause fungal infections.
Examples of diseases caused by fungi are yeast infection, jock itch, thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot, onychomycosis, etc.
Parasites
Parasites are another kind of pathogen that behave like animals. They live, thrive on animal and human bodies, and feed on the host. Protozoa is a type of disease-causing parasite that can multiply. Mosquitoes and ticks are examples of ectoparasites that live on the skin of animals and sometimes feed off it. Parasites are transferrable through food, blood, soil, water, sexual contact, etc.
Parasites cause diseases like intestinal worms, giardiasis, malaria, trichomoniasis, pubic lice, etc.
Bacteria
Bacteria are also microorganisms from a single cell. There are different types of bacteria with distinct features and shapes. Some can live inside or outside a body. Pathogenic bacteria are responsible for causing diseases in humans and animals. If viruses have attacked your immune system, your body becomes vulnerable to bacterial infections. The bad news is that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
Bacterial diseases include Lyme disease, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, strep throat, UTI, E.coli, etc.
End Note
Pathogens cause diseases, but the body can defend itself against these dangerous microorganisms. It is crucial to protect against pathogens by washing hands regularly, vaccinating, cooking food, especially meat, thoroughly, having safe sex, and avoiding sharing personal items.
