Pathogens are disease-causing viruses, bacteria, fungi or protists, which can infect animals and plants. Humans have an immune system, which can defend them from pathogens.
protistA eukaryotic, usually single-celled organism of the kingdom Protista. are a group of microorganisms that have features that belong to animals, plants and fungiA large group of eukaryotic organisms that contain single-celled yeasts, moulds and mushrooms.. Some are like animals, others more like plants and some, called moulds are closest to fungi. They are all eukaryoteA single-celled organism or a cell of a multicellular organism that has a nucleus., which means they have a nucleusThe nucleus controls what happens inside the cell. Chromosomes are structures found in the nucleus of most cells. The plural of nucleus is nuclei..
Malaria
malariaA potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes. is spread by mosquitos which carry the Plasmodium protist. These are often found in areas with higher temperatures like Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, but not the UK. Mosquitos suck blood containing the protists from an infected person. They pass the protist, to other people they suck blood from. The mosquitos do not become ill and are called 'vectorAny organism that can spread a disease. ' because they transmit the disease.
The symptoms of malaria include a fever, sweats and chills, headaches, vomiting and diarrhoeaLiquid faeces. . Damage is also caused to the blood and liver. After decades of research scientists developed the first malaria vaccine in 2021. Infection continues to be reduced by stopping individuals from being bitten. People sleep under mosquito nets and wear insect repellent to avoid bites. antimalarial drugMedicine that stops or treats a malarial infection. are also taken, which treat the symptoms and can prevent infection.