Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What term refers to microorganisms that cause diseases such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi?

1. Vectors

2. Pathogens

3. Infectious agents

4. Parasites

The correct answer is: Pathogens

The term that refers to microorganisms responsible for causing diseases, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is "pathogens." Pathogens are defined as any biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host, which in this case can be living organisms such as humans, animals, or plants. This classification includes not just bacteria and viruses but also fungi and certain protozoa that can lead to infectious diseases. In the context of a laboratory setting, understanding pathogens is crucial for ensuring the health and welfare of laboratory animals, as well as for maintaining biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease within animal populations. Recognizing the nature of pathogens helps laboratory personnel implement proper handling, management, and hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection. Other terms, while related, do not encompass the full range of microorganisms that can cause disease. For example, vectors refer to organisms that can transmit pathogens but are not pathogens themselves, such as mosquitoes transmitting malaria parasites. Infectious agents is a broader term that can include pathogens but is often used interchangeably with pathogens in specific contexts, causing some confusion. Parasites specifically refer to organisms that live on or in a host, often at the host's expense, but they don't encompass bacteria or viruses, which are also significant pathogens