Pathogenicity

Pathogenicity

Pathogenicity (/pæθoʊdʒɛnɪsɪti/) refers to the ability of an organism, specifically a microorganism, to cause disease in another organism. The term is often used to describe the virulence of a pathogen.

Etymology

The term "pathogenicity" is derived from the Greek words "pathos" meaning "suffering" or "disease" and "genesis" meaning "origin or source".

Related Terms

• Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of parasites as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host.
• Pathogen: A specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease.
• Infectivity: The ability of a pathogen to establish an infection.
• Microorganism: A microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Infection
• Disease
• Bacteria
• Virus
• Fungus

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pathogenicity
• Wikipedia's article - Pathogenicity

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