Humanpathogenen

Humanpathogenen, or human pathogens, are microorganisms capable of causing disease in humans. They span viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and may include prions. They differ from non-pathogenic organisms and from pathogens that affect animals or plants. Disease occurs when the pathogen overcomes host defenses, via virulence factors and particular host conditions, such as immune status and underlying disease.

Transmission routes vary: respiratory droplets and aerosols (influenza, SARS-CoV-2), direct contact (staphylococcal infections), fecal-oral (norovirus, cholera), vector-borne (malaria via Anopheles mosquitoes), water- and food-borne contamination, sexual contact, and vertical transmission during birth. Some pathogens are host-specific, others are zoonotic and can jump from animals to humans.

Public health response includes surveillance, vaccination, infection prevention and control, hygiene and sanitation, safe water and food, vector control, and antimicrobial stewardship. Diagnostics rely on culture, microscopy, serology, and molecular methods. Treatments include antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics, with challenges from resistance and evolving strains. The study of humanpathogenen informs epidemiology, immunology, and clinical medicine.