What are Pathogens
Basically pathogens are microscopic organisms such as bacteria
,viruses ,fungi and prions that can cause diseases in their hosts.
**Types of pathogens**:
-Bacteria
-Fungi
-Parasites
-Prions
How Pathogens enter to our body.
Respiratory system:
Pathogens have the ability to invade the body to the respiratory system, for
example by inhaling respiratory droplets carrying viruses or bacteria released
by sick individuals through coughing or sneezing.
Direct Contact
Direct physical contact with an individual who has been infected, coming into
contact with surfaces that have been contaminated, or interacting with
animals that have been infected can lead to pathogens entering our body.
Mother to Child transmission
It is possible for a pregnant lady to pass on the infection to her unborn child
while she is carrying it, giving birth, or nursing, causing infections that are
present from birth.
What are the chemical and mechanical barriers
in our body.
Chemical barriers:
-Stoumach acid
-Enzymes in saliva
-Anti-microbial Pepticides
-Mucus
Mechanical Barriers
-Skin
-Cilia
-Tears and Saliva
Antibiotics and Antigens
ANTIBIOTICS:
- Medications for bacterial infections.
- Kill or inhibit bacterial growth.
- Not effective against viruses.
- Examples: penicillin, amoxicillin.
ANTIGENS:
- Unknown substances triggering immune response.
- Found on pathogens, allergens, transplanted tissues.
- Recognized by immune system.
- Antibodies produced to neutralize antigens.
Active and passive immunity
ACTIVE IMMUNITY:
- Body produces antibodies in response to antigen exposure.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Develops after infection or vaccination.
- Examples: immunity after chickenpox infection, vaccination.
PASSIVE IMMUNITY:
- Antibodies transferred from another source.
- Immediate but temporary protection.
- Does not involve immune response.
- Examples: maternal antibodies passed to newborns, antibody injections for
immediate protection.