Question

Infectious agents are also known as __________.
A. Pathogens
B. Transmitters
C. Carriers
D. All of the above

Answer 1

An organism that has the capability to cause diseases is termed as an infectious agent. Infectious microorganisms can be of different types such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, etc.

Complete answer Microorganisms are capable of causing diseases in the host. These infectious agents are known as pathogens. The five major types of infectious agents are as follows- bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Another class of infectious agents has been discovered which are known as prions. These agents can cause emerging and reemerging diseases in the host organisms. Bacteria such as Corynebacterium , Streptococcus , Salmonella typhi , Yersinia , and Staphylococcus can cause some severe infectious diseases. Various viruses can cause diseases in humans such as HIV, hepatitis B, poxvirus, etc. Many fungi can infect plants and animals such as Candida. Protozoa are eukaryotic heterotrophs that can be acquired through contaminated food and water or by the bite of infected arthropods. Plasmodium and Giardia are two common protozoan parasites.
Hence, the correct option is A) Pathogens.

Note: Infectious agents or pathogens can transmit disease through various transmission methods such as direct and indirect methods. In direct contact, an individual is infected when they come in contact with the reservoir. While in indirect contact, pathogens are transmitted from inanimate objects. Various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, etc. Whereas a non-infectious disease cannot spread from one person to another person.