Disease-causing bacteria are known as which of the following?

Disease-causing bacteria are known as which of the following?

• A. Coliforms
• B. Pathogens
• C. Non-pathogens
• D. Non-coliforms

Answer: (B)

Pathogens are the disease-causing organisms. When bacteria cause illness, they are called bacterial pathogens. In water testing, coliforms serve as indicators of fecal contamination rather than as direct proof of disease; most coliforms are not themselves harmful, though some pathogenic strains can be coliforms. Non-pathogens are simply bacteria that do not cause disease, and non-coliforms are bacteria that do not ferment lactose like coliforms do. The phrase that specifically refers to bacteria that can cause disease is pathogens.

Pathogens are the disease-causing organisms. When bacteria cause illness, they are called bacterial pathogens. In water testing, coliforms serve as indicators of fecal contamination rather than as direct proof of disease; most coliforms are not themselves harmful, though some pathogenic strains can be coliforms. Non-pathogens are simply bacteria that do not cause disease, and non-coliforms are bacteria that do not ferment lactose like coliforms do. The phrase that specifically refers to bacteria that can cause disease is pathogens.