What is the term for diseases caused by harmful microorganisms that may or may not be spread between individuals?

The term for diseases caused by harmful microorganisms that may or may not be spread between individuals is "infectious disease." Infectious diseases are a result of pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that invade the body and can lead to illness. These diseases can be transmitted from person to person (like the flu or common cold) or can arise from other sources, such as contaminated food, water, or surfaces (like food poisoning).

By encompassing both transmissible and non-transmissible illnesses, the term infectious disease accurately reflects the broad spectrum of conditions caused by these microorganisms, distinguishing it from terms that refer only to diseases that can be spread from one individual to another. Understanding this distinction is crucial in infection control, as practitioners must know how diseases spread to implement appropriate prevention and control measures effectively.