Virulence is the relative ability of a ________ to cause disease.
A) pathogen
B) commensal
C) virus
D) bacterium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Virulence refers to the degree to which a pathogen is able to cause disease. A pathogen is any microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus or fungus, that can cause disease. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Commensals are microorganisms that live in or on another organism without causing harm or benefit. Viruses are not microorganisms that can cause disease on their own; they require a host cell. While some bacteria can cause disease and therefore have virulence, not all bacteria are pathogenic.

Virulence Is the Relative Ability of a ________ to Cause