Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam

What characterizes pathogenic bacteria?

1. They are beneficial for the ecosystem

2. They cannot cause disease

3. They are harmful and cause disease

4. They help with digestion

The correct answer is: They are harmful and cause disease

Pathogenic bacteria are characterized by their ability to cause disease in a host organism. These harmful microorganisms can invade host tissues, evade the immune system, and produce toxins that lead to various illnesses. Their pathogenicity can manifest in diverse ways, such as triggering infections, inflammation, or other clinical symptoms in the host. In this context, beneficial bacteria play important roles in ecosystems and human health, such as aiding digestion or maintaining ecological balance, which distinguishes them from pathogenic types. Hence, while there are bacteria that contribute positively to health and the environment, pathogenic bacteria are defined explicitly by their detrimental effects on health. This distinction is critical for the study of microbiology and medical sciences, as understanding the nature of pathogenic bacteria helps inform treatment and prevention strategies for infectious diseases.