High School

Which statement BEST describes where pathogens are found?

A. Pathogens are agents that are used to treat contagious diseases.
B. Pathogens are disease-causing agents that can be found in the environment and are passed from one individual to another.
C. Pathogens are used to treat diseases that are passed from one individual to another.
D. When disease-causing agents are passed from one individual to another, they are not considered pathogens.

Answer :

The statement that pathogens are disease-causing agents found in the environment and can be passed from one individual to another best describes where pathogens are found. These include different types of microorganisms and can cause various infectious diseases. Therefore, the correct option is B.

The best description of where pathogens are found is: 'B. Pathogens are disease-causing agents that can be found in the environment and are passed from one individual to another.' Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, are agents that cause disease by invading and multiplying in host tissues. They can spread infectious diseases through various transmission methods such as direct contact, airborne transmission, fecal-oral route, or by vectors. Medicine such as antibiotics can treat infections caused by bacteria, one type of pathogen, but it's crucial to remember that not all pathogens are bacteria, and antibiotics have no effect on viral infections.