Which term describes microorganisms that may cause illness, infection, and disease?

Prepare for the Nurse Aide I Module B – Infection Prevention Test. Leverage multiple choice questions, detailed flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

Pathogens are microorganisms that may cause illness, infection, and disease in a host. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and are the reason why infection prevention focuses on blocking transmission—through hand hygiene, standard precautions, cleaning and disinfection, and proper use of personal protective equipment. Many microorganisms that normally live on or in our bodies are non-pathogenic or part of the normal flora and usually don’t cause disease under healthy conditions. They can become problematic only if the person's defenses are weakened or the balance is disrupted. An outbreak describes a cluster of illness cases in a setting, not the type of microbe itself. So the best term for microorganisms that may cause illness is pathogen.