What is a pathogen?
DOWNLOAD FILESeptember 13, 2019
Overview
The What is a Pathogen? lesson is designed to introduce participants to the general concepts of the three main types of microorganisms that cause infection. The basic qualities of each related to zoonotic diseases possibly encountered with raising, caring for and being around animals is also discussed. The lesson features a hands-on component to help participants understand how pathogens differ and to help define the abstract concept of a pathogen.
Objectives
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe examples of a pathogen and the problems they can cause.
- Construct three types of bacteria as well as a virus and a parasite to observe and determine the differences between the three main types of disease agents.
- Name the general reproductive methods of bacteria, viruses and parasites.
- Describe common diseases caused by these disease agents and methods to prevent them.