What term describes microorganisms and microbial toxins that can cause disease in humans?

The term "etiologic agents" refers specifically to the microorganisms or microbial toxins that are responsible for causing diseases in humans. This term is often used in medical and epidemiological contexts to identify the specific biological agents that lead to illness. These can include a wide range of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as the toxins they may produce.

Understanding that etiologic agents encompass the specific causative factors of disease highlights their significance in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections. In contrast, while "pathogens" can also refer to disease-causing agents broadly, the term "etiologic agents" is more encompassing as it includes both the organisms themselves and the toxins they produce, making it the more precise choice in this context. Other terms like "biohazards" and "contaminants" refer to broader categories of risks or undesirable substances in the environment, rather than specifically pointing to agents that cause disease.