What term describes a substance that may cause disease through contamination?

The term "pathogens" refers to microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease in a host organism. This includes various types of disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Pathogens can spread through contamination and are capable of invading the body, leading to infections and other health issues. Understanding this is crucial in infection control practices, as identifying and managing pathogens is key to preventing the spread of disease.

Other options such as disinfectants, toxins, and viruses represent different concepts. Disinfectants are substances used to destroy or inactivate pathogens on surfaces and instruments, thereby helping to prevent the transmission of infection. Toxins, on the other hand, refer to poisonous substances produced by living organisms, which can cause harm but do not necessarily describe the infectious agents themselves. While viruses are a type of pathogen, the broader category of pathogens encompasses all infectious agents, making it the most accurate term in this context.