How does microbial pathogenesis affect human health?

Microbial pathogenesis primarily refers to the mechanisms by which microorganisms cause disease in their hosts. When pathogens invade a host, they can disrupt normal physiological processes, leading to a variety of health issues. This disruption can manifest in several ways, such as altering metabolic pathways, damaging tissue, evading the immune response, and causing inflammation.

For instance, pathogenic bacteria may secrete toxins that damage host cells or interfere with physiological functions, such as normal cellular signaling or nutrient absorption. This can lead to symptoms like inflammation, fever, and a compromised immune system, ultimately affecting the individual's overall health.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the impact of microbial pathogenesis. While certain microbes can support immune function or enhance digestion under healthy conditions, the presence of pathogenic microbes typically leads to disease rather than support. Hence, the correct understanding is that microbial pathogenesis disrupts normal physiological processes in a way that negatively impacts human health.