Final answer:
The pathogen in undercooked hamburgers that poses a health concern is E. coli O157:H7, which is known for causing serious foodborne illnesses often linked to beef products like hamburgers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pathogen that can be an issue in undercooked hamburgers is E. coli O157:H7. This particular strain of E. coli is known to cause serious foodborne illnesses, including abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. It can originate from contaminated water or food, particularly with food products such as raw vegetables and undercooked meat. In the 1990s, there were several large outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 thought to have originated from undercooked hamburgers. Among the other bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, E. coli O157:H7 is the most commonly associated with ground beef.