What term refers to the extent to which a microorganism can cause disease?

The term that refers to the extent to which a microorganism can cause disease is virulence. Virulence describes the pathogenicity of a microorganism and encompasses various factors that contribute to its ability to invade, infect, and cause damage to the host. These factors can include the microorganism's ability to adhere to host cells, produce toxins, elude the host's immune system, and cause inflammation.

Infection, on the other hand, refers to the presence and multiplication of a microorganism in the body, which may or may not lead to disease. Resistance typically refers to the ability of a host to withstand infection or disease, often through immune responses or acquired immunity. Incidence refers to the frequency of new cases of a disease in a specific population over a defined period.

Understanding virulence is crucial in public health and microbiology as it helps to evaluate the potential impact of different pathogens on human health and informs treatment and prevention strategies.