Which of the following is a true statement?

• A. A successful pathogen never kills the host.
• B. Throughout disease evolution, the most virulent diseases have spread the fastest.
• C. A successful pathogen does not kill the host before it is transmitted.
• D. The primary goal of a pathogen is to kill the host.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of a pathogen: A pathogen is an organism that causes disease in its host. Its primary goal is to reproduce and spread to new hosts, not necessarily to kill the current host.
2. Consider the relationship between virulence and transmission: Virulence refers to the degree of damage a pathogen causes to its host. Highly virulent pathogens may incapacitate or kill the host quickly, which can limit their ability to spread if the host dies before transmission.
3. Evaluate the statement about successful pathogens: A successful pathogen is one that can effectively spread to new hosts. This often means not killing the host too quickly, allowing time for transmission to occur.
4. Analyze the statement about disease evolution: While some highly virulent diseases can spread rapidly, they often rely on specific conditions or vectors for transmission. Less virulent diseases may spread more sustainably over time.
5. Conclude with the correct statement: A successful pathogen does not kill the host before it is transmitted, as this allows the pathogen to spread to new hosts and continue its lifecycle.