Which of the following contributes to the virulence of a pathogen?
A) toxin production
B) evasion of host defenses
C) numbers of microorganisms that gain access to a host
D) numbers of microorganisms that gain access to a host and evasion of host defenses
E) numbers of microorganisms that gain access to a host, evasion of host defenses, and toxin production

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three factors, numbers of microorganisms that gain access to a host, evasion of host defenses, and toxin production, contribute to the virulence of a pathogen. High numbers of microorganisms increase the likelihood of successful colonization and infection, while evasion of host defenses allows the pathogen to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system. Toxin production can cause damage to host tissues and facilitate the spread of the pathogen. Therefore, the combination of all three factors is likely to result in greater virulence.

Which of the Following Contributes to the Virulence of a Pathogen