Microbial pathogens

Microbial pathogens are tiny organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. They invade the body or other living tissues, multiply, and produce substances that lead to illness. For example, bacteria like those causing strep throat or viruses like influenza are pathogens. While many microbes are harmless or even beneficial, pathogenic ones can trigger infections, ranging from mild to severe. Our immune system works to identify and eliminate these microbes, but sometimes pathogens evade defenses or overwhelm the body, leading to health problems.