Which of the following is any disease-causing agent such as a virus or bacteria?

Prepare for the iCEV Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to secure your certification!

The term that describes any disease-causing agent, such as a virus or bacteria, is "pathogen." Pathogens are biological agents that can cause disease in hosts, which can include animals and humans. This category encompasses a wide range of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, all of which can lead to various health issues.

In contrast, allergens refer specifically to substances that trigger allergic reactions, such as pollen or certain foods. Toxins are harmful substances produced by living organisms, such as the poisons from certain plants or bacteria, but they are not directly synonymous with all disease-causing agents. Infection describes the process by which a pathogen enters and establishes itself within a host, but it does not identify the pathogen itself.

Thus, "pathogen" is the most accurate term for describing any agent that can cause disease.

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