What term describes the body's ability to destroy and resist pathogens?

The term that describes the body's ability to destroy and resist pathogens is immunity. Immunity refers to the complex mechanisms that the body uses to protect itself against harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It encompasses both the innate and adaptive immune responses, allowing the body to recognize and neutralize threats effectively.

Immunity can be categorized into two main types: innate immunity, which provides immediate but general defense against pathogens, and adaptive immunity, which develops more slowly and targets specific pathogens the body has encountered before. This ability to develop a memory of previous infections is what makes vaccinations effective.

Other terms provided in the options do not encompass the full concept as accurately. Resistance refers to the ability to withstand or fend off infections but doesn’t capture the systematic and proactive nature of the immune system. An allergy involves an inappropriate or exaggerated immune response to a harmless substance, and infection refers to the invasion of the body by pathogens, not the body's response to them. Thus, immunity is the most suitable term for the body's capability to combat and resist pathogens.