The immune system functions to protect the body from pathogens. It consists of organs like the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow as well as white blood cells. Pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists can cause disease by disrupting homeostasis. Germ theory established that many diseases are caused by biological agents. Infectious diseases spread through physical contact, exchange of fluids, indirect contact, or vectors. The immune system uses nonspecific defenses like skin and stomach acid along with specific defenses of white blood cells. When pathogens invade, the body responds with fever, inflammation, and production of antibodies by B cells. Immunity develops from exposure to pathogens, and can be active from infection or vaccination, or passive