ABSTRACT
This chapter explains primary human pathogens and also plant pathogens. A human pathogen is any virus, microorganism or substance capable of causing disease. There are two broad categories primary pathogens and secondary or opportunistic pathogens. The primary pathogens can invade and infect healthy persons, whereas a secondary pathogen invades and infects a debilitated person or an individual on immuno suppressant medication or drugs. Primary pathogens are found in various waste streams. The main sources of primary pathogens in municipal solid waste at a facility are diapers, discarded contaminated medical material from the home, personal care products, tissues, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, syringes, diabetic utensils, domestic animal fecal matter, and vectors. Pathogens in food waste can come from eggs, raw chicken and other contaminated foods. The high levels ofindicator organisms and pathogens in yard waste may be the result of fecal matter from domestic animals.
