What term describes a type of bacteria that is harmful because it may cause disease when it invades the body?

What term describes a type of bacteria that is harmful because it may cause disease when it invades the body?

• A. Cocci
• B. Pathogenic
• C. Streptococci
• D. Staphylococci

Answer: (B)

Bacteria that can cause disease when they invade tissues are described as pathogenic. In infection control, this term labels organisms that have the potential to lead to illness, which is why preventing their entry and growth is crucial in salons. Cocci describes a shape, not whether a bacterium can cause disease. Streptococci and staphylococci are specific groups of bacteria that can be pathogenic, but the general descriptor for disease-causing potential is pathogenic. Some bacteria of those groups may be harmless in certain contexts, but pathogenic identifies the ability to invade and cause disease.

Bacteria that can cause disease when they invade tissues are described as pathogenic. In infection control, this term labels organisms that have the potential to lead to illness, which is why preventing their entry and growth is crucial in salons. Cocci describes a shape, not whether a bacterium can cause disease. Streptococci and staphylococci are specific groups of bacteria that can be pathogenic, but the general descriptor for disease-causing potential is pathogenic. Some bacteria of those groups may be harmless in certain contexts, but pathogenic identifies the ability to invade and cause disease.