infectious agent

An infectious agent is a microorganism that can cause disease in people, animals, or plants. These agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They invade the body, multiply, and sometimes produce toxins, leading to illness. For example, bacteria like those causing strep throat, viruses like the flu, fungi like athlete's foot, and parasites like worms are all infectious agents. They spread through various means such as contact, air, contaminated food or water, or insect bites. Proper hygiene, sanitation, and vaccines help prevent infections caused by these agents.