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Pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that can cause disease. [ 1 ] This article focuses on the bacteria that are pathogenic to humans. Most species of bacteria are harmless and are often beneficial but others can cause infectious diseases. The number of these pathogenic species in humans is estimated to be fewer than a hundred. [ 2 ]
Infectious disease. Waterborne diseases are conditions (meaning adverse effects on human health, such as death, disability, illness or disorders) [ 1]: 47 caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted by water. These diseases can be spread while bathing, washing, drinking water, or by eating food exposed to contaminated water. [ 2]
Koch's postulates are used to establish causal relationships between microbial pathogens and diseases. Whereas meningitis can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, cholera is only caused by some strains of Vibrio cholerae. Additionally, some pathogens may only cause disease in hosts with an immunodeficiency.
Germ theory of disease. Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. The germ theory of disease is the currently accepted scientific theory for many diseases. It states that microorganisms known as pathogens or "germs" can cause disease. These small organisms, too small to be seen without ...
Mycobacterium is a genus of over 190 species in the phylum Actinomycetota, assigned its own family, Mycobacteriaceae. This genus includes pathogens known to cause serious diseases in mammals, including tuberculosis ( M. tuberculosis) and leprosy ( M. leprae) in humans. The Greek prefix myco- means 'fungus', alluding to this genus' mold -like ...
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to concepts related to infectious diseases in humans. Infection – transmission, entry/invasion after evading/overcoming defense, establishment, and replication of disease-causing microscopic organisms (pathogens) inside a host organism, and the reaction of host tissues to ...
Human pathogen. A human pathogen is a pathogen ( microbe or microorganism such as a virus, bacterium, prion, or fungus) that causes disease in humans . The human physiological defense against common pathogens (such as Pneumocystis) is mainly the responsibility of the immune system with help by some of the body's normal microbiota.
Infectious diseases. An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens ( bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses) that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available. These opportunities can stem from a variety of sources, such as a weakened immune system (as can occur in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or when being ...