Topic 10 of 21 · 2 modules planned

Diseases and immunity

How pathogens spread, how the body defends itself and how hygiene and vaccines protect us.

Modules

Module 1 · syllabus 10.1
Pathogens and disease spread
How can we stop a disease from spreading?
This module is planned. It will have readings, an experiment, practice with self-checks and a final check.

Syllabus statements for this topic · for teachers · 17 statements

Core for every pupil · Supplement also for Extended entry. Paraphrased from the Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus (2026–2028); check the official syllabus for exact wording.

10.1 Diseases and immunity

10.1.1Pathogen as a disease-causing organismC
10.1.2Transmissible disease passes between hostsC
10.1.3Direct and indirect pathogen transmissionC
10.1.4Body defences against pathogensC
10.1.5Hygiene, clean water and sewage treatment against diseaseC
10.1.6Active immunity through antibody productionS
10.1.7Pathogens carry specific antigensS
10.1.8Antibodies bind antigens to destroy pathogensS
10.1.9Antibody shape complementary to antigenS
10.1.10Active immunity from infection or vaccinationS
10.1.11How vaccination works, including memory cellsS
10.1.12Vaccination controls the spread of diseaseS
10.1.13Passive immunity: antibodies from another individualS
10.1.14Breast-feeding and passive immunity in infantsS
10.1.15Passive immunity produces no memory cellsS
10.1.16Cholera: bacterium spread in contaminated waterS
10.1.17Cholera toxin causes diarrhoea and dehydrationS