A bacterium, virus or any other microorganism that can cause diseases such as fungus, which can cause athlete’s foot.
Types of pathogens
Bacteria – these are the most common cause of infection in humans. Antibiotics can help to fight bacterial infections.
Fungi – fungal infections are generally slow to develop. Common fungal infections are thrush, athlete’s foot and ringworm. These types of infections are treated with anti-fungal medications, either topically (on the skin) or orally.
Protozoa – parasitic single celled organisms, examples of protozoa are malaria and vaginitis. Protozoal infections are treated with the appropriate antiprotozoal.
Viruses – the smallest microorganisms, viruses require a living host, can