Advertisement
question

What are the different types of germs?

Jumo Health
Jumo Health
answer

There are four main types of germs. Different germs cause different types of infections. Other names for germs are bugs, or microbes, because they’re so tiny they can only be seen by looking through a microscope. The four main types of germs include:

  • Bacteria: Cause infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
  • Viruses: Cause infections like measles and HIV.
  • Fungi: Cause infections like athlete's foot.
  • Parasites: Cause infections like malaria.

Continue Learning about Infectious Disease

6 facts to know about tapeworms
6 facts to know about tapeworms
Maybe you've heard of tapeworms. These parasitic flat worms can live in human intestines for years—often so quietly, a person doesn't know they're inf...
Read More
World health organization recommends world’s first malaria vaccine
World health organization recommends world’s first malaria vaccine
In 2023, there were 249 million cases of malaria reported worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those, there were 608,000 de...
Read More
Septic shock: when an infection turns deadly
Septic shock: when an infection turns deadly
Sepsis—and its most serious form, septic shock—is a body-wide and potentially deadly response to an infection. Sepsis occurs when the immune system re...
Read More
Essential facts about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Essential facts about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
In June 1981, a group of researchers and scientists published a report in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) Morbidity and Morta...
Read More

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.