In the field of infectology, a pathogen is an element capable of causing a disease to the biology of a host, be it a human, animal or plant. There are several factors that make the host more prone to being invaded by a pathogen, these can be: genetic factors, lifestyle, age, personal hygiene, consumption of toxins (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
Among the most common pathogens are:
Viruses: are infectious agents with a non-metabolized structure, composed of nucleic acids and proteins. They are parasites that must infect other cells in order to reproduce, so they are not associated with the environment. Example: measles, chickenpox, AIDS, flu, polio, etc.
Fungi: represent eukaryotic multicellular organisms, which are made up of cells. Example: candidiasis, athlete's foot, etc.
Bacteria: they represent prokaryotic unicellular organisms that do not have a differentiated nucleus, antibiotics are used to produce diseases caused by bacteria, many of which are produced, can be treated, but there are others that do not, so they are very contagious. Example: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, salmonellosis, etc.
Protozoa: they are eukaryotic unicellular organisms, with a differentiated nucleus and capable of causing infections. Example: malaria, chagas disease, etc.
A pathogen conforms to the host to benefit from it, thereby harming the host. In addition to meeting its vital needs, a pathogen will seek to reproduce its species through the host.
It is important to highlight that the pathogenicity of the entity will be controlled, depending on the immune strength of the host. Those individuals who are correctly vaccinated will have a certain advantage to face these pathogens, since the immune system of each organism will be the key or the impediment for the progress of any disease.
As has been said before, the lifestyle and behavior of the host are usually decisive at the time of contracting a condition, so it is important to have good hygiene habits, be careful with the food you eat, stop eating alcohol and other drugs or any other activity that promotes the appearance or spread of a pathogen.
