Pathogenic bacteria are defined as which?

• A. Harmless
• B. May be harmful to the body; causes disease, infection, and produces toxins
• C. Live on dead matter
• D. Found in water

Answer: (B)

Pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that can cause disease in the body. They have the potential to harm tissues, lead to infections, and produce toxins that disrupt normal body functions. That’s why the description describing bacteria that may be harmful, cause disease or infection, and produce toxins is the correct one. The other statements describe bacteria that do not cause disease (harmless), live on dead matter (saprophytes), or simply note they are found in water; none define the disease-causing potential.