Summary
Disease-causing microorganisms, including some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
In depth
Virulence factors include toxins, adhesins, capsules and secretion systems. Koch's postulates link a microbe to a disease. Transmission is by contact, droplets, food, water and vectors. Opportunistic pathogens strike only the weakened.
Pathogens must enter, adhere, evade immunity, multiply and spread. Virulence is quantified by LD50 or ID50. Many produce toxins.
Example: Koch's postulates link Mycobacterium tuberculosis to TB.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pathogens?
Disease-causing microorganisms, including some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
Which area of biology covers Pathogens, and how advanced is it?
Pathogens is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Microorganisms, Toxins, Transformation and Transduction.
Can you give an example of Pathogens?
Vibrio cholerae causes cholera through toxin-induced fluid loss.
What should I learn before Pathogens?
Pathogens is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Microbiology that pair well with it include Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea.
What topics are related to Pathogens?
The closest topics to Pathogens are Microorganisms, Toxins, Transformation and Transduction, Cyanobacteria. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Pathogens?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Pathogens. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Pathogens different from Microorganisms?
Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms, including some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Microorganisms: Living things too small to see without a microscope, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and microscopic algae. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Pathogens step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Microorganisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.