What is the definition of a pathogen?

What is the definition of a pathogen?

• A. A microorganism that contributes to health
• B. A microorganism that can cause disease
• C. A harmless bacteria species
• D. A microorganism involved in fermentation

Answer: (B)

A pathogen is defined as a microorganism capable of causing disease in a host. This encompasses a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The key aspect of a pathogen is its potential to disrupt the normal physiological functions of the host and lead to illness. In contrast, some microorganisms play beneficial roles, such as contributing to health or involved in processes like fermentation, which would not qualify them as pathogens. Additionally, harmless bacteria species are generally not associated with disease causation and thus do not fit the definition of a pathogen. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the ability of a microorganism to cause disease, which is central to understanding infections and their implications in health.

A pathogen is defined as a microorganism capable of causing disease in a host. This encompasses a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The key aspect of a pathogen is its potential to disrupt the normal physiological functions of the host and lead to illness.

In contrast, some microorganisms play beneficial roles, such as contributing to health or involved in processes like fermentation, which would not qualify them as pathogens. Additionally, harmless bacteria species are generally not associated with disease causation and thus do not fit the definition of a pathogen. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the ability of a microorganism to cause disease, which is central to understanding infections and their implications in health.