While the term "germs" is commonly used, it's not a specific scientific term. The tiny organisms that cause disease are called pathogens.

Here's a breakdown:

* Pathogens: These are the actual organisms that cause disease. They can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

* Germs: This is a more general term that refers to any microscopic organism, including both harmful pathogens and harmless ones.

So, while "germs" can include pathogens, it's more accurate to use the term pathogens when specifically talking about disease-causing organisms.