Learn more about parasitic infections here.

Parasitic protozoa can cause various diseases. Some protozoa are parasitic, meaning they live on or inside another organism and use the organism’s nutrients for their own survival. Protozoa are microscopic organisms that typically consist of a single cell. However, they commonly affect the skin and mucus membranes. However, only around 300 cause harmful illnesses.įungal infections can occur anywhere in the body. Fungiįungi are a type of organism that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

However, bacteria can also cause infections that damage the body. Many bacteria are harmless, and some help the body to function. They exist in almost every environment on earth, including inside the human body. Bacteriaīacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Once inside, they use the cell’s machinery to make copies of themselves. To replicate, they must enter the cells of other living beings. Unlike other pathogens, they lack the complex structure of a cell. Viruses are tiny pathogens that contain genetic material. Symptom severity may vary depending on a person’s overall health and immune function.įour main types of pathogens cause infection: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. However, some can be serious and potentially life threatening. Some communicable diseases may be mild, and symptoms pass after a few days. Others are due to the body’s immune response to the infection. Some symptoms are a direct result of the pathogen damaging the body’s cells. However, they can still transmit the pathogen. Some people will not experience any symptoms. Symptoms will vary depending on the disease. The individual may then begin to experience symptoms. Once a pathogen has entered a person’s body, it often will begin replicating. Learn more about the different types of pathogens here. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, cause communicable diseases. People sometimes refer to communicable diseases as “infectious” or “transmissible” diseases. Share on Pinterest sebastian-julian/Getty ImagesĪ communicable disease is any disease that passes between people or animals.

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