What Are Pathogens?

A pathogen is a microorganism that can cause disease. Pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, protists or fungi.

Examples of bacteria infections are cholera, typhoid, food poisoning and gonorrhoea. Examples of viral infections are the flu (influenza), measles, mumps, the common cold and AIDS. Some common fungal skin conditions are athletes foot and ringworm. Malaria is an example of a protist pathogen.