Which group of bacteria typically contains most pathogenic bacteria?

Mesophilic bacteria are the group that typically contains most pathogenic bacteria. This category of bacteria thrives at moderate temperate ranges, typically between 20°C to 45°C (68°F to 113°F). The human body maintains a core temperature around 37°C (98.6°F), which falls within this optimal range for mesophilic bacteria, making it conducive for these organisms to grow and potentially cause infections or diseases.

Pathogenic bacteria include a wide variety of species that can be harmful to human health, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, all of which are mesophilic. This is significant in public health and food safety, as it emphasizes the importance of controlling food temperatures to inhibit the growth of these harmful bacteria.

The other groups—mesoduric, thermophilic, and thermoduric—are generally adapted to survive or thrive at different temperature ranges that are less suited for many pathogenic bacteria. For example, thermophilic bacteria thrive in hotter environments, typically above 45°C, reducing their relevance to human pathogens that prefer lower temperatures. Similarly, thermoduric bacteria are capable of surviving high temperatures but may not necessarily grow in those conditions, further distinguishing them