Which of the following pathogens is associated with zoonotic diseases?

The rabies virus is a well-known pathogen associated with zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. Rabies is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals, commonly through bites, and it affects the central nervous system. Due to its mode of transmission and the types of reservoirs involved, such as bats, raccoons, and domestic dogs, rabies exemplifies a classic zoonotic disease.

E. coli and Salmonella can also be zoonotic; however, they are more often associated with foodborne illnesses and transmission through contaminated food rather than direct animal-to-human transmission. Candida, on the other hand, is a fungus that typically causes opportunistic infections and is not recognized as a zoonotic pathogen. Thus, the rabies virus stands out due to its direct transmission pathways from wildlife and domestic animals to humans, defining it as a significant zoonotic concern.