What term describes an organism capable of causing disease in a susceptible host?

What term describes an organism capable of causing disease in a susceptible host?

• A. Pathogen
• B. Virus
• C. Bacteria
• D. Fungus

Answer: (A)

Pathogen is the umbrella term for any organism that can cause disease in a susceptible host. It covers viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—any microbe with the potential to harm the host. The reason this fits best is that it describes the general capability to cause disease, not a specific type of organism. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are examples of pathogens, but they’re categories within the broader concept. Some microbes are harmless or even beneficial, yet pathogens are those with the potential to produce disease under the right conditions.

Pathogen is the umbrella term for any organism that can cause disease in a susceptible host. It covers viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—any microbe with the potential to harm the host. The reason this fits best is that it describes the general capability to cause disease, not a specific type of organism. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are examples of pathogens, but they’re categories within the broader concept. Some microbes are harmless or even beneficial, yet pathogens are those with the potential to produce disease under the right conditions.