Which of the following statements about human pathogenic bacteria is correct?

• A. Most human pathogens are classified as thermophiles.
• B. Most human pathogens are classified as mesophiles.
• C. Most human pathogens are classified as halophiles.
• D. Most human pathogens are classified as psychrophiles.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the classification of bacteria based on temperature preference. Bacteria are categorized as psychrophiles (cold-loving), mesophiles (moderate temperature-loving), thermophiles (heat-loving), and hyperthermophiles (extreme heat-loving).
2. Step 2: Recognize that human body temperature is approximately 37°C, which falls within the moderate temperature range.
3. Step 3: Recall that most human pathogenic bacteria thrive at temperatures close to human body temperature, which means they are adapted to moderate temperatures.
4. Step 4: Identify that mesophiles are bacteria that grow best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C, which includes the human body temperature range.
5. Step 5: Conclude that since human pathogens grow best at human body temperature, they are mostly classified as mesophiles, making the statement 'Most human pathogens are classified as mesophiles' correct.