A copy of the TASK is available for download below.
RESEARCH TIP! For this task you need to ensure the information you are looking at is from a reliable source and is current.
Look for information that is from the following:
Beware of information from forums and websites where people without qualifications are presenting information. E.g. Wikianswers.org, Yahoo!Answers, and Wikipedia.
Ask Yourself:
1. Who is the organisation behind the information?
2. Is there an identifiable author?
3. Can I find this information in two other reliable websites or books? Cross-reference your information!
4. When was this information last updated?
Abrahams, P. (2009). 120 Diseases. London: Amber Books.
Neighbours, M., & Tannehill-Jones, R. (2006). Human Diseases. New York: Thomson.
| Pathogen | Disease Caused | Symptoms |
| Rabies virus | Rabies | paralysis, spasms, fever, overproduction of saliva |
| Varicella | Chickenpox | fever, itchy blister-like rash |
| Vibrio cholerae | Cholera | diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration |
| Yersinia pestis | Bubonic plague | 25 million people 1347-1352 (black death) |
| Clostridium botilinum | Food poisoning | blurred vision, weakness, difficulty swallowing and occasionally death |
| Giardia lamblia | Giardia | nausea, flatulence, diarrhoea |
| Toxoplasma gondii | Toxoplasmosis | acute form causes fever, chills, rash, exhaustion |
| Candida albicans | Thrush | creamy mucus, oral or vaginal |
Please see your teacher if you wish to research a pathogen not on this list.
1. Draw a diagram or insert a diagram of your pathogen. The diagram must be fully labelled including the type of pathogen it is (bacteria, virus, fungus or protozoan).
2. Describe how your pathogen is transmitted from human to human.
3. Describe how the pathogen causes disease in the human body.
4. Outline the first line of defence in a human generally and then relate this to your pathogen. There are two main categories that the first line of defense falls into: Physical barrier (skin) or chemical barrier (stomach acid, etc.).
5. Outline the second line of defence in a human (use diagrams). The second line of defense involves the immune system response.
6. Once a pathogen enters the body and passes by the first and second line of defence, the third line of defence is required. It is often said that the third line of defence is specific. Explain what is meant by this.
7. If a person is infected again a few weeks later with your pathogen, what type of response will your body mount. For example: Will there be more or less antibodies and why?
8. What measures can you take to ensure that you do not get a pathogenic illness? Explain how this will stop you from getting sick. Is hygiene a concern for your disease?
Search Queries: How does _______ attack the immune system?
Science Learning: The Body's First Line of Defence, Second Line of Defence, Infection, Vaccines and Therapies.
BBC: Disease and Resistance
An excellent website with clear basic information.
Human Diseases and Conditions: Body Defences
Use this website to also find information about your pathogen.
Human Diseases and Conditions: The Nature of Germs and Infections
Crash Course Science: Your Immune System: Natural Born Killer:
More Challenging Information
Recommended places to search for information on your disease:
World Health Organisation
Search this website to find information on your disease. The Fact Sheets are very useful.
Health Insite is a major search engine that collects responses from all Australian government health websites.
A to Z Infectious Diseases (NSW Health)
Select your disease and when the page comes up, select Fact Sheet on the right for a good break down of the disease.
Viral Zone: Human Viruses and Associated Pathologies
A very scientific website, good for images of the virus and transmission.
Virtual Medical Centre
Search for your disease using the search box.
General Disease Information
What are Pathogens?
How Viruses Work
How Stuff Works: How Viruses Work
Flu Attack! How a Virus Invades Your Body (Video, 4mins)
HealthMap
See the latest incidents of diseases around the world.
Sci Show: FAQs about the New Flu (Interesting video)
Interactive Lab: Disease Lab Interesting Simulation for the Spread of Diseases
Australia's Defense Against the Spread of Infectious DIseases
Below is information about government responses to pandemic threats.
'Pan' means all, and 'demos' means people.
Pandemic Influenza - Department of Health and Aging
Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in China - Department of Health and Aging