Difference between Pathogen and Parasite
No. |
Pathogen |
Parasite |
1. | A microorganism which is able to cause harm to your body is referred as Pathogen. | An organism or animal which lives in or on another organism or animal (which is host) is referred as Parasite. |
2. | An agent which causes a disease to its host is also known as pathogen. | An organism which lives in or on another organism for the nutrition is also known as Parasite. |
3. | Pathogens are generally microscopic or macroscopic organisms. | Parasites are generally macroscopic organisms. |
4. | Examples of pathogen includes fungi, prions, parasites, protists, viruses and bacteria. | Examples of parasite includes helminthes and protozoans. |
5. | Pathogens are mostly eukaryotic organisms. | Except fungi and parasite, parasites are mostly prokaryotic organisms. |
6. | Disease which are caused by the pathogens include influenza, common cold, tetanus, food allergy and aids. | Disease which are caused by the parasites include ameboic dysentery, leishmaniasis, giardiasis, malaria, trypanosomiasis, ascariasis, loiasis, hookworm disease, trichuriasis, heart worm disease, and filariasis etc. |