Communicable diseases

The idea

Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease: viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi. They spread by direct contact, water or air. Viral diseases include measles, HIV and tobacco mosaic virus; bacterial diseases include salmonella and gonorrhoea; rose black spot is a fungal disease. Bacteria may produce toxins; viruses live and reproduce inside cells, damaging them.

1. Name the type of pathogen.
2. State how the disease spreads.
3. State how its spread is reduced.

Watch out Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they cannot treat measles or HIV.