Activity 5.1.

2: Infectious Disease Agents

Type of
Infectious
Agent

Disease
Examples

Modes of
Transmission

Does the Agent

Require a Host
for
Reproduction?

How the
Agent is
Treated

Bacteria

Strep Throat

Airborne droplets
when an infected
person coughs
or sneezes or
through sharing
of food or drink.

Prolly

antibiotics

Viruses

The flu

Travels through
air droplets

No

Bed Rest and

fluids

Fungus

Athletes
Foot

Thick tight
shoes, warm
moist
envronments
where the
infection can be
spread

No

Administer
antifungal
medication~

Protozoa

Malaria

Microspcopic
parasites
transmit from
person to person

Yes

Antimalarial
drugs

Helminthes

Tapeworm

Consumption of
food or water
contaminated
with feces from
something with
the parasite

Yep

Oral
medications
that are toxic
to the parasite

Prions

CJD

Caused by an
YES
abnormal version
of a protein
called a prion

none

2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Principles of Biomedical Science Activity 5.1.2 Infectious Disease Agents Page 1

1. Work with a partner and read through each Disease Card (either on the resource
sheet or on the presentation). As you read, highlight key information on each
disease.
2. Note any similarities between the diseases caused by the same type of infectious
agent. Based on this, fill in your graphic organizer.
3. If necessary, use the Internet to research the six types of infectious agents and
fill in any missing information in your graphic organizer.
4. Answer the Conclusion questions.

Conclusion
1 Why is it useful for epidemiologists, scientists who study disease, to categorize
diseases based on different factors, such as modes of transmission?
Its easier to treat and prevent diseases that are well known
2 How would the infection simulation you performed in the last activity have been
different if you had performed it for syphilis? What about for malaria? (Hint: Think
about the transmission of these diseases.)
Wasnt here dawg
3 Using your completed graphic organizer, what can be done to prevent the
transmission of each infectious agent?
Bacteria: Trynot to come in contat with the infected person
Viruses: Stay away from infected person and be clean
Fungus: Stay away from damp, warm, moist areas
Protozoa: Wear bug spray and be wary of bad food
Helminthes: Be careful of improperly prepared or suspicious food
Prions: None

2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Principles of Biomedical Science Activity 5.1.2 Infectious Disease Agents Page 2

4 What should your next steps be as medical detectives in order to fill in the
missing pieces of Annas medical history? Refer to your Activity 5.1.1 Medical
History Resource Sheet for ideas.
Check her medical records for recent diseases and check her body for infections
or bacteria.

2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Principles of Biomedical Science Activity 5.1.2 Infectious Disease Agents Page 3