Which of the following is a common example of a bacterial pathogen that causes disease in humans?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is recognized as a common example of a bacterial pathogen that can cause disease in humans. While many strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial as part of the normal gut flora, certain pathogenic strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, are associated with foodborne illness and can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and even kidney failure in some cases.

The other options listed are generally not associated with disease in humans. For instance, Streptococcus thermophilus is primarily used in the dairy industry for yogurt production and is not pathogenic. Bacillus subtilis is mostly considered non-pathogenic and often used as a model organism for studies in microbiology. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacteria known for its beneficial effects on gut health and is not implicated in diseases. Thus, E. coli stands out as a significant pathogenic bacteria of concern in human health.