Factors that determine the pathogenicity and increase the virulence of organisms include all the following, except
A) an organism's ability to avoid phagocytosis.
B) an organism's ability to produce exotoxins and extracellular enzymes.
C) an organism's ability to produce infection when host conditions change.
D) an organism's ability to survive intracellularly when phagocytized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An organism's ability to produce infection when host conditions change is not a direct factor in determining its pathogenicity or increasing its virulence. Pathogenicity and virulence are more directly influenced by mechanisms that allow an organism to avoid immune responses (such as avoiding phagocytosis or surviving intracellularly), and the production of harmful substances (like exotoxins and enzymes) that directly damage host tissues or interfere with host function.

Factors That Determine the Pathogenicity and Increase the Virulence of Organisms