Question

The ability to cause disease is __________.

pathogenicity
virulence
infection
colonization

Answer 1

Pathogenicity is the ability of a microorganism to cause disease, while virulence measures the degree of pathogenicity. Highly virulent pathogens can cause severe illness, while less virulent pathogens may result in milder symptoms. Infections occur when microorganisms successfully colonize a host.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pathogenicity is the ability of a microorganism to cause disease, while virulence measures the degree to which an organism is pathogenic. Highly virulent pathogens can cause severe illness and multi-organ failure, while less virulent pathogens may result in mild signs and symptoms of disease. Infections occur when a microorganism successfully colonizes a host, leading to disease. Pathogenic microorganisms are known as pathogens.