Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that invade the body and can cause health issues. Anthrax, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and the Zika virus, among many others are examples of pathogens that cause serious diseases.

What types of pathogens can cause a disease?

A variety of microorganisms can cause disease. Pathogenic organisms are of five main types: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and worms.

What is pathogen disease?

A pathogen is defined as an organism causing disease to its host, with the severity of the disease symptoms referred to as virulence. Pathogens are taxonomically widely diverse and comprise viruses and bacteria as well as unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes.