Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What term describes harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans?

1. Non-pathogenic

2. Pathogenic

3. Beneficial

4. Infectious

The correct answer is: Pathogenic

The term that describes harmful microorganisms capable of causing disease or infection in humans is "pathogenic." Pathogenic microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the human body, multiply, and disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to illness. Understanding the role of pathogenic organisms is crucial in the field of esthetics, particularly concerning sanitation and infection control practices. Non-pathogenic organisms, on the other hand, do not cause disease and can even be beneficial to human health, such as those that reside in the microbiome. The term "beneficial" specifically refers to microorganisms that have a positive impact, while "infectious" generally describes the ability of a disease to spread, rather than classifying the microorganism itself. Thus, recognizing "pathogenic" as the correct term emphasizes the significance of controlling these harmful microorganisms in any environment where human health is a concern.