Which term describes a microscopic organism that does not cause infection?

Which term describes a microscopic organism that does not cause infection?

• A. Pathogenic Organism
• B. Non-Pathogenic Organism
• C. Aerobic Organisms
• D. Anaerobic Organism

Answer: (B)

Non-pathogenic describes a microscopic organism that does not cause infection or disease in a healthy host. Pathogenic organisms are the ones capable of causing infection, so they contrast with non-pathogenic microbes. The terms aerobic and anaerobic describe how microbes use oxygen, not whether they cause disease, so they don’t address pathogenicity. Many non-pathogenic microbes are harmless or even beneficial, and some can become pathogenic only under certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

Non-pathogenic describes a microscopic organism that does not cause infection or disease in a healthy host. Pathogenic organisms are the ones capable of causing infection, so they contrast with non-pathogenic microbes. The terms aerobic and anaerobic describe how microbes use oxygen, not whether they cause disease, so they don’t address pathogenicity. Many non-pathogenic microbes are harmless or even beneficial, and some can become pathogenic only under certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system.