What are microorganisms that are not capable of causing disease called?

Microorganisms that are not capable of causing disease are referred to as nonpathogens. Nonpathogens can exist in various environments, including inside and on the human body, where they often play beneficial roles, such as aiding in digestion or contributing to the immune system's functioning. Unlike pathogens, which are microorganisms that can cause illness or infection, nonpathogens are generally harmless and may even be essential for maintaining health. Recognizing nonpathogens is important in the field of health science, as it underscores the role of some microorganisms as part of the natural flora without posing a risk to the host's health.

Pathogens, on the other hand, are the organisms that are known to lead to disease, while toxins are poisonous substances that may be produced by some microorganisms but do not refer to the microorganisms themselves. Viruses are specific types of pathogens that require a host to replicate and can lead to diseases. This distinction helps clarify the role of various microorganisms in human health and disease.