Which term describes organisms capable of causing disease?

Which term describes organisms capable of causing disease?

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

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is whether an organism can cause disease. Pathogenic organisms are those that have the ability to cause disease in a host because they possess factors that allow them to invade, multiply, and damage tissues. So the term that best describes organisms capable of causing disease is pathogenic. The other terms describe different traits. Non-pathogenic organisms do not cause disease under normal conditions. Aerobic and anaerobic refer to whether organisms require or tolerate oxygen to grow, not to their capacity to cause disease—though some pathogens can be either, the disease-causing ability itself is not defined by oxygen needs.

The concept being tested is whether an organism can cause disease. Pathogenic organisms are those that have the ability to cause disease in a host because they possess factors that allow them to invade, multiply, and damage tissues. So the term that best describes organisms capable of causing disease is pathogenic.

The other terms describe different traits. Non-pathogenic organisms do not cause disease under normal conditions. Aerobic and anaerobic refer to whether organisms require or tolerate oxygen to grow, not to their capacity to cause disease—though some pathogens can be either, the disease-causing ability itself is not defined by oxygen needs.