What is a pathogen?
BiologyClass 10CBSEAnswered 28 May 2026
Answer
A pathogen is any microorganism or agent that causes disease in a host.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | TB, cholera, typhoid |
| Viruses | Influenza, HIV, COVID-19 |
| Fungi | Ringworm, athlete's foot |
| Protozoa | Malaria, amoebic dysentery |
| Helminths | Tapeworm, roundworm |
Pathogens cause damage by destroying cells, releasing toxins, or triggering harmful immune responses.
Summary: A pathogen is a disease-causing agent (bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite) that invades and harms a host organism.
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