Final answer:
The statement 'Pathogens are disease-causing agents' is true. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, invade host tissues to cause infectious diseases like the common cold and athlete's foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathogens are disease-causing agents. This statement is true. Pathogens include a variety of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and prions. These agents cause disease by invading and multiplying within host tissues, which can lead to tissue damage and the release of toxins.
The transmission of pathogens can occur through multiple routes including airborne transmission, direct contact, fecal-oral transmission, and vectors. Infectious diseases such as the common cold, influenza, tuberculosis, and athlete's foot are all examples of conditions caused by different types of pathogens.