Foodborne diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria can be, e.g., salmonellosis, listeriosis, campylobacteriosis and yersiniosis [3]. Organisms, which do not cause diseases are called non-pathogenic [2].

What is the difference between a microorganism and a pathogen?

A pathogen is usually defined as a microorganism that causes, or can cause, disease. We have defined a pathogen as a microbe that can cause damage in a host.

Why are microorganisms not pathogens?

Most bacteria are not pathogenic. Those that are contain specific virulence genes that mediate interactions with the host, eliciting particular responses from the host cells that promote the replication and spread of the pathogen.