Which term describes a microorganism capable of causing disease in a susceptible host?

Which term describes a microorganism capable of causing disease in a susceptible host?

• A. Pathogen
• B. Antibody
• C. Carrier
• D. Toxin

Answer: (A)

A pathogen is the term for a microorganism that can cause disease in a susceptible host. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can invade or multiply in the body and lead to illness when the host’s defenses are breached. An antibody is a defensive protein produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens, not a microorganism. A carrier is someone who harbors a pathogen and can spread it, often without symptoms, but the defining idea here is the disease-causing organism itself. A toxin is a harmful substance produced by some organisms that can cause illness, but it is not a living microorganism.

A pathogen is the term for a microorganism that can cause disease in a susceptible host. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can invade or multiply in the body and lead to illness when the host’s defenses are breached. An antibody is a defensive protein produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens, not a microorganism. A carrier is someone who harbors a pathogen and can spread it, often without symptoms, but the defining idea here is the disease-causing organism itself. A toxin is a harmful substance produced by some organisms that can cause illness, but it is not a living microorganism.