Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Diseases caused by a virus or bacteria are classified as what?

1. Pathogenic

2. Contagious

3. Chronic

4. Acute

The correct answer is: Pathogenic

Diseases caused by a virus or bacteria are classified as pathogenic because the term "pathogenic" refers to organisms that are capable of causing disease in a host. Pathogenic microbes, including viruses and bacteria, have specific mechanisms that allow them to infect their host and evade the immune system, leading to various health problems. Contagious diseases specifically refer to those that can be transmitted from one individual to another, usually through direct contact or through the air, but not all pathogenic diseases are contagious. Chronic diseases are those that develop slowly and persist over time, which can apply to some infections but does not encompass all pathogenic diseases. Acute diseases, on the other hand, have a rapid onset and typically last a short duration but may or may not be caused by pathogenic organisms. Thus, while "contagious," "chronic," and "acute" provide insights into the nature and duration of certain diseases, "pathogenic" is the appropriate classification that captures the essential characteristic of diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.