What is a characteristic of pathogenic bacteria?

Pathogenic bacteria are defined by their ability to cause disease or infection in humans. This characteristic distinguishes them from non-pathogenic bacteria, which are typically harmless and can even be beneficial to human health, such as those involved in digestion or maintaining the skin’s microbiome. While some pathogenic bacteria may be present in the human body, they do not always exist there and are not a permanent resident. Furthermore, pathogenic bacteria can survive in various environments, some of which require oxygen, but not all. Therefore, the defining trait of pathogenic bacteria is their capability to induce harm, making option B the correct choice.