🦠 4 Pathogen Types (HEAVILY TESTED!)
Know which diseases fall under each type. Huge chunk of the real exam.
🦠 Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms. Cocci=round, Bacilli=rod, Spirilla=spiral.
Examples: Staphylococci (boils) · Streptococci (strep throat) · Impetigo · Acne (C. acnes)
Killed by: Bactericides, disinfectants, antibiotics. Can form protective spores.
🦠 Virus
Smallest pathogen. NOT alive — needs host cell to replicate.
Examples: Herpes simplex (cold sores) · Herpes zoster (shingles) · HPV (warts) · HIV · Hepatitis B
Killed by: Virucides. CANNOT be treated with antibiotics!
🍄 Fungus
Plant-like organisms. Thrive in warm, moist environments.
Examples: Tinea corporis (ringworm) · Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) · Tinea capitis (scalp) · Malassezia (dandruff)
Killed by: Fungicides, antifungals. NOT antibiotics. "Ringworm" is NOT a worm!
🐛 Parasite
Organisms that live on/inside a host and feed off it.
Examples: Pediculosis (lice) · Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei mite) · Protozoa (single-celled parasites)
Killed by: Parasiticides, prescription treatments. Thorough environment cleaning.