What is the general term for components of a pathogen that help it to be infectious?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Virulence factors are components of a pathogen that contribute to its ability to cause disease, such as toxins or enzymes that damage host tissues or proteins that help the pathogen evade the host immune system.

Answer choices A, B, and E refer to specific types of virulence factors or aspects of how a pathogen gains entry to a host, but they do not encompass the full range of factors that contribute to pathogenicity. Choice C is a vague and nonspecific term that does not accurately describe the factors involved in pathogenesis.

What Is the General Term for Components of a Pathogen