Technically, a pathogen is anything that can cause a disease, literally means disease producer. However, it’s common use is in reference to different types of infectious germs, like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Pathogens are highly abundant, for they can just about live anywhere. Some thrive in heat, while others prefer the cold. Some types need oxygen or a host, while others do not.
Pathogens that cause infectious diseases are often grouped into different types. Route of transmission is one way a pathogen is typed. These are some of various means and a sampling of the different types of related pathogens or diseases:
- another person ~ STDs
- bloodborne ~ hepatitis B virus, HIV
- waterborne ~ rotavirus, cholera, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, shigella, giardia
- zoonotic ~ rabies, cat scratch disease, dermatophytosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis
- foodborne ~ campylobacter, botulism, E. coli, listeria, shigella, norovirus, toxoplasmosis, salmonella
- airborne ~ parvovirus B19, rhinovirus, coxsackievirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus
- vector-borne (fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes) ~ Lyme disease, dengue, yellow fever, plague, tularemia, malaria, Chagas disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
This is only a partial list of the numerous different types of pathogens. And some of these pathogens spread via more than one route.
Another classification for the different types of pathogens is how long your infectious disease lasts. Most infections fall into three major types:
A special pathogen is a highly infectious type that causes a severe disease and because of their nature require special handling. A couple of the different types of diseases that are considered special are:
Evidence is emerging that there are links with different types of pathogens to:
Your body has a arsenal of natural defenses to pathogens. For instance, your immune system produces different types of cells, such as leukocytes, neutrophils and antibodies for immunity, that can fight off germs. Fever, coughing and sneezing are also measures used to rid a pathogen as well.
In addition, there are different types of medical tactics to combat various pathogens, i.e. vaccination, antibiotics, antivirals and fungicides. Yet, pathogens continue to be a major threat to your health.
But not all germs are pathogens. In fact, some are essential for health. Take for instance lactobacillus, a bacteria normally present in your intestinal flora. It helps your body destroy a pathogen that make their way into your digestive system.