Multiple Choice
In the context of infectious disease, which definition best describes a pathogen?
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21. Principles of Disease
Characteristics of Infectious Disease
Multiple Choice
In the context of infectious disease, what is a pathogen?
A
A commensal organism that normally benefits the host and does not cause disease
B
A host defense molecule that neutralizes microbes by binding to antigens
C
A microorganism or other infectious agent that can cause disease in a host
D
Any nonliving chemical toxin that causes illness without involving an infectious agent
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the term 'pathogen' in microbiology. A pathogen is an agent that causes disease in a host organism.
Step 2: Review the options given and identify which describes an organism or agent capable of causing disease.
Step 3: Recognize that a commensal organism benefits the host and does not cause disease, so it is not a pathogen.
Step 4: Note that a host defense molecule neutralizing microbes is part of the immune response, not a pathogen itself.
Step 5: Identify that a nonliving chemical toxin causing illness without an infectious agent is not classified as a pathogen, since pathogens are infectious agents.
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