Which term describes a disease caused by pathogens that can be transmitted?

The term that describes a disease caused by pathogens that can be transmitted is an infectious disease. Infectious diseases are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and they can be spread from person to person, through contaminated surfaces, food, water, or vectors like insects. The ability of these diseases to be transmitted is a key characteristic, distinguishing them from other types of diseases.

Chronic diseases, on the other hand, are long-lasting conditions that typically do not arise from infectious agents but rather result from other factors like lifestyle choices, genetics, or environmental influences. Non-infectious diseases encompass a broad range of health issues that aren’t caused by pathogens, including chronic diseases and those related to genetics, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, or organs. These conditions are primarily driven by the body's immune response and are not transmitted from person to person, making this option distinct from infectious diseases.

In summary, an infectious disease is characterized by its transmissibility through pathogens, setting it apart from chronic, non-infectious, and autoimmune diseases.