Pathogens can lead to which of the following illnesses?

The correct answer, cholera, highlights a significant concern related to pathogens in the context of waterborne diseases. Cholera is specifically caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is often transmitted through contaminated water supplies. Inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices facilitate the spread of this pathogen, leading to outbreaks of cholera that can result in severe dehydration and potentially life-threatening diarrhea.

In contrast, the other options do not directly correlate with pathogen-related illnesses. Pneumonia can indeed be caused by pathogens, but it is not primarily associated with wastewater treatment issues. Diabetes is a chronic condition typically unrelated to infections and is linked to metabolic factors rather than pathogens. Asthma is often influenced by environmental factors and allergens rather than microbial pathogens. Thus, cholera stands out as a clear example of an illness directly stemming from exposure to pathogens in wastewater, making it the correct choice here.