Types of Infectious Organisms
Types of Infectious Organisms
Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Bacteria | Microscopic, single-celled organisms that have cell walls but lack internal structures | Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Staphylococcus species |
Fungi | Diverse, may be single-celled or multicellular organisms. Yeasts, molds, and mushrooms are types. | Aspergillus species,,Candida albicans, and dermatophytes (fungi that cause ringworm) |
Parasites | An organism, such as a worm or single-celled animal, that survives by living on or in another, usually much larger, organism (the host). | Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), Ctenocephalides felis (a common flea), Sarcoptes (sarcoptic mite), Giardia, and Toxoplasma (single-celled organisms called protozoa) |
Viruses | Made up of genetic material that is contained in a protein coat. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own; a virus must invade a living cell and use that cell’s own mechanisms to reproduce. | Canine parvovirus, equine influenza viruses, and feline enteric coronavirus |