What is a disease caused by organisms such as bacteria and viruses called?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question with explanations and hints. Ace your exam!

The term that specifically describes a disease caused by organisms such as bacteria and viruses is "infection." An infection occurs when pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—enter the body, multiply, and cause immune responses and symptoms of disease. Infections can manifest in various forms, such as localized or systemic, and they can be acute or chronic, depending on the organism involved and the body's response.

"Contagion" refers to the transmission of disease from one person to another and does not directly signify the disease itself. It focuses more on how the disease spreads rather than the disease caused by the infectious organism.

"Inflammation" is a bodily response to injury or infection and can occur as a result of the body reacting to an infectious agent, but it is not a disease itself. Instead, it describes a process involving redness, heat, swelling, and pain as the immune system responds to harmful stimuli.

"Pathology" is the study of diseases, including their nature, origins, and progression. While it covers infections and diseases in general, it is not the term that defines a disease caused specifically by infectious organisms.

Thus, the correct terminology for a disease caused by organisms such as bacteria and viruses is indeed "infection

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy