Causes and Spread of Infection Essay

1.1 Identify the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Bacteria, fungi and parasites are all considered as ‘living’ things,. Bacteria are single celled microorganisms that can only been seen through a microscope, they collect their nutrition from their surrounding and unlike viruses, they do not need a living host to reproduce. Viruses are difficult to destroy because they are enclosed in a protein coating. Viruses are disease-producing agents, far smaller than bacteria. Viruses are not considered as living because they are unable to reproduce.

Fungi are placed into the plant category although they are very different from green plants. The basic part of fungus is a hollow tube, which is known as ‘hypha’. Fungi spread by releasing spores into its surroundings. Parasites are an organism that feeds and is dependent of its host.

1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Common illnesses and infections caused by bacteria include;

• Bacterial meningitis,
• Gonorrhea,
• Impetigo,
• Lyme disease,
• MRSA infection,
• Scarlet fever,
• Tuberculosis,
• Typhoid fever, and Urinary tract infections.