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Biology for Kids

Infectious Disease

What is an infectious disease?

An infectious disease is any disease caused by a pathogen (germ) such as a virus, bacteria, parasite, or fungus. Although we will mostly discuss infectious diseases in people on this page, other living organisms such as animals, plants, and microorganisms can all be made ill by an infectious disease.

Pathogens

"Pathogen" is the scientific name for "germ." Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens. When your mom says to wash your hands because of germs, she wants you to get all the pathogens off your hands so they won't go into your mouth and body. Maybe after reading this, you will wash your hands a bit more!

Pathogens are tiny organisms (called microorganisms) that invade the body and make it sick. Examples of pathogens are viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Click on the word to learn more.

Examples

Different kinds of pathogens cause different kinds of diseases. Here are some example diseases caused by each type of pathogen:
Transmission

Infectious diseases can be transmitted in several ways including: Other Types of Diseases

Not all diseases are infectious. Some other types of diseases include:
Interesting Facts about Infectious Disease Activities

More Biology Subjects

Cell
The Cell
Cell Cycle and Division
Nucleus
Ribosomes
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Proteins
Enzymes

The Human Body
Human Body
Brain
Nervous System
Digestive System
Sight and the Eye
Hearing and the Ear
Smelling and Tasting
Skin
Muscles
Breathing
Blood and Heart
Bones
List of Human Bones
Immune System
Organs

Nutrition
Nutrition
Vitamins and Minerals
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Enzymes

Genetics
Genetics
Chromosomes
DNA
Mendel and Heredity
Hereditary Patterns
Proteins and Amino Acids

Plants
Photosynthesis
Plant Structure
Plant Defenses
Flowering Plants
Non-Flowering Plants
Trees
Living Organisms
Scientific Classification
Animals
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Viruses

Disease
Infectious Disease
Medicine and Pharmaceutical Drugs
Epidemics and Pandemics
Historical Epidemics and Pandemics
Immune System
Cancer
Concussions
Diabetes
Influenza


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