Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered an infectious agent?

1. Bacteria, viruses, fungi

2. Only bacteria

3. Viruses and parasites only

4. Inorganic materials

The correct answer is: Bacteria, viruses, fungi

The correct choice identifies infectious agents as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Infectious agents are microorganisms that can cause disease in a host organism. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live in various environments and can be pathogenic, leading to infections. Viruses, which are smaller than bacteria, require a living host to reproduce and can cause a range of illnesses. Fungi, which include yeasts and molds, can also lead to infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The other options either limit the definition to a narrower scope or incorrectly identify materials that are not classified as infectious agents. For instance, stating only bacteria as an infectious agent overlooks the significance of viruses and fungi. Limiting the definition to just viruses and parasites excludes bacteria and fungi, both of which are vital components of infectious diseases. Furthermore, inorganic materials do not fall into the category of infectious agents since they do not possess the characteristics of living microorganisms and cannot cause infections. Thus, the comprehensive inclusion of bacteria, viruses, and fungi as infectious agents makes the first choice the correct answer.