A<unk>  is a<unk>  (microbe or microorganism such as a virus, bacterium, prion, or fungus) that causes disease in humans. The human physiological defense against common<unk> s (such as Pneumocystis) is mainly the responsibility of the immune system with help by some of the body's normal flora and fauna. However, if the immune system or "good" microbiota are damaged in any way (such as by chemotherapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or antibiotics being taken to kill other<unk> s),<unk> ic bacteria that were being held at bay can proliferate and cause harm to the host. Such cases are called opportunistic infections. Some<unk> s (such as the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which may have caused the Black Plague, the Variola virus, and the malaria protozoa) have been responsible for massive numbers of casualties and have had numerous effects on afflicted groups. Of particular note in modern times is HIV, which is known to have infected several million humans globally, along with the influenza virus. Today, while many medical advances have been made to safeguard against infection by<unk> s, through the use of vaccination, antibiotics, and fungicide,<unk> s continue to threaten human life. Social advances such as food safety, hygiene, and water treatment have reduced the threat from some<unk> s.
Human pathogen
Human parasite
Pathogenic fungus
Intracellular parasite
Pathogenic bacteria
Food contaminant
Contagious disease
Toxicant