What term describes a microorganism (virus, bacterium, parasite) that causes disease?

What term describes a microorganism (virus, bacterium, parasite) that causes disease?

• A. Organism
• B. Virus
• C. Pathogen
• D. Host

Answer: (C)

The term that describes a microorganism that causes disease is pathogen. Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi—any organism capable of causing illness in a host. This differs from an organism, which is any living being, and from a host, which is the organism that harbors a pathogen. It also differs from a virus, which is only one type of pathogen, not all of them. In the context of mosquito control and public health, recognizing pathogens helps explain how diseases are transmitted and why measures like surveillance, sanitation, and vector control are important to prevent disease.

The term that describes a microorganism that causes disease is pathogen. Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi—any organism capable of causing illness in a host. This differs from an organism, which is any living being, and from a host, which is the organism that harbors a pathogen. It also differs from a virus, which is only one type of pathogen, not all of them. In the context of mosquito control and public health, recognizing pathogens helps explain how diseases are transmitted and why measures like surveillance, sanitation, and vector control are important to prevent disease.