infectious agents

Infectious Agents
Infectious agents are tricky little invaders. They sneak in, use our body, and often make us sick in the process.
These causes infectious disease.
They are collectively known as Pathogens
Infectious Agent� No. 1��
Bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria
Bacteria

What are Infectious Agents?
An Infectious Agent is something that infiltrates another living thing, like you. When an infectious agent hitches a ride, you have officially become an infected host.
There are four main classes of Infectious Agents. These fab four can infect all sorts of living things.

1. Biology Project done By; M.Mohana Priyaa (914) ix Cauvery global school

2. Topic; Infectious Agents

3. Infectious Agents What are Infectious Agents? An I nfectious A gent is something that infiltrates another living thing, like you. When an infectious agent hitches a ride, you have officially become an infected host. There are four main classes of I nfectious A gents. These fab four can infect all sorts of living things. Infectious agents are tricky little invaders. They sneak in, use our body, and often make us sick in the process.

4. The Infectious Agents are; These causes infectious disease. They are collectively known as Pathogens.

5. Infectious Agent No. 1 Bacteria

6. Bacteria Bacteria are single-celled simple critters, but bacteria have tons of characteristics, and they are very diverse. They are even on us and in organisms without a nucleus. It may seem like they are de of us at all times. In fact, our intestine has a permanent infection. But, these gut bacteria are actually very helpful for digestion. Many people take probiotic supplements to encourage the growth of this group of healthy bacteria. They come in many shapes including ball-, rod- and spiral-shaped. Most bacteria are not harmful and some are actually beneficial. Less than one per cent of bacteria will actually make us ill. Infectious bacteria can grow, divide and spread in the body, leading to infectious disease . Bacteria are spread in many ways including: Spread by aerosols (through coughing and sneezing). For example, Streptococcus. Spread by surface and skin contact. For example, Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA Spread through body fluids, such as blood and saliva. For example, meningococcal disease (meningitis). A pro-biotic is meant to be pro-bacteria, an antibiotic is harmful to bacteria. Antibiotics are usually given to treat severe bacterial infections.

7. Infectious Agent No . 2 Fungi

8. Fungi The third type of infectious agents is fungi. Fungi are multi-cellular or single celled organisms with a nucleus and organelles, but they are unique from plants or animals. Fungi like to feed by absorbing nutrients from their surroundings. Yeast and mushrooms are types of fungi. Most types of fungi are not dangerous, but there are some that can infect humans and cause trouble. Often a fungal infection affects the skin and causes a minor rash, but other fungi can also cause more serious problems, like a lung infection or a blood infection. There are about 300 fungi that are known to make people sick Fungi are microorganisms characterised by cell walls made from a substance called chitin . Most fungi are harmless to humans and some are edible. Other fungi can be infectious and may lead to life-threatening diseases. Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact or even inhaled. Fungal infections often affect the lungs, skin or nails. Some infections may also penetrate the body to affect organs and cause whole-body infections. Examples of fungal infections include: Athlete’s foot: itching, scaling or cracking of the skin Ringworm: reddish, itchy, scaly rash usually on the skin and scalp Thrush: caused by the fungus Candida albicans which can infect the mouth, vagina, stomach and urinary tract.

9. Infectious Agent No. 3 Virus

10. Virus Viruses are tiny infectious agents that replicate only in the living cells of other organisms. They are even tinier than bacteria. A virus isn't technically alive because it cannot function unless it has a host. Viruses have a very simple structure consisting of genetic material in the form of DNA or RNA Within a protein Capsule. They can infect all types of life forms, from animals to plants and bacteria to amoebae Their favourite and only activity is to hang around in an 'off' position and wait. If they get inside a host, they will whir into action. Their only goal is to hijack the host cell's machinery and replicate themselves. This can occur right away or they might lay dormant for a bit before they replicate. After new viruses have been made, they go out into the world and the cycle starts over. Viruses can be spread in many ways including:  From plant to plant by insects that feed on plant sap. For example, Potato virus which is spread by aphids. From animal to animal by blood-sucking insects. For example, Dengue virus which is spread by mosquitos. Spread by aerosols (through coughing and sneezing). For example, influenza virus. Spread by not washing hands after going to the toilet. For example, norovirus or rotavirus. Spread by sexual contact. For example, HIV And Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Spread by exposure to infected blood. For example, Hepatitis B. Viruses can often be prevented through vaccines

11. Infectious Agent No.4 Parasites

12. Parasites Parasites are organisms that live in/on another organism and benefit by getting nutrients at the expense of their host. Parasites can be found in many different body sites, for example in the blood, liver, digestive system, brain and even the eyes. There are several groups of parasites that infect humans : Roundworms: these are nematode worms that can get into humans by ingestion, directly penetrating the skin or through insect bites. Examples: Hookworms,  Wuchereria Bancroft , Whipworm Protozoa:   These are single-celled parasites. Many are delivered by biting insects or are ingested with contaminated water or food.  They invade or eat host cells, or swim around the bloodstream and quickly reproduce by copying themselves. Examples: Giardia, Plasmodium falciparum, Trichomonas  Tapeworms ( Helminth) : These are flatworms whose heads hook on to the intestinal wall of their host. Their larvae Migrate to other parts of the body. They can live in the host for decades. Example: Pork tapeworm Flukes: Blood flukes are flatworms that are caught through contact with contaminated water. Blood fluke larvae are released from infected snails into freshwater.  Liver flukes can be found in raw or undercooked fish or water plants and can live in the body of the host for decades. Example: Schistosomes