What is the term for a microorganism that causes disease?

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The correct term for a microorganism that causes disease is "pathogen." Pathogens include various types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can lead to illness in a host. When these pathogens invade the body, they can disrupt normal biological functions, leading to a range of health issues.

Antigens are substances that the immune system recognizes as foreign, which can trigger an immune response, but they are not necessarily microorganisms themselves. Viruses are a specific type of pathogen, but the term "pathogen" encompasses a broader category that includes all microorganisms that can cause disease. Antibodies, on the other hand, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to antigens and are involved in fighting infections rather than causing them. Therefore, the term "pathogen" is the most accurate description for microorganisms responsible for disease.

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