What are pathogenic bacteria?

Pathogenic bacteria are defined as those microorganisms that have the ability to invade host organisms and cause disease. They can lead to various infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants, often by producing toxins or directly damaging host tissues. This characteristic of causing disease distinguishes pathogenic bacteria from other types of bacteria that may be harmless or even beneficial to their hosts.

Essentially, pathogenic bacteria are a key focus in microbiology and medicine due to their implications for health. Understanding their mechanisms of infection and disease progression is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures. Thus, the identification of bacteria that are able to elicit adverse health effects is fundamental in classifying them as pathogenic.