Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

What term describes the process where pathogenic organisms multiply and cause harm to a human host?

1. Contamination

2. Infection

3. Infestation

4. Sanitization

The correct answer is: Infection

Infection is the most appropriate term because it specifically refers to the process of pathogenic organisms (such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi) multiplying and causing harm within a human host's body. Contamination could be seen as a broader term, as it simply means the presence of harmful substances or organisms, but does not necessarily imply their active growth or reproduction. Infestation is typically used to describe parasites or insects invading and living on or inside a host's body, which may also cause harm, but does not apply to all types of harmful organisms. Sanitization refers to cleaning and reducing the number of harmful microorganisms on a surface or in a specific environment, but it does not necessarily involve harm to a human host.