PATHOGENICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Pathogenicity refers to the ability of a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungi, to cause disease in a host organism. It is the quality or characteristic of being pathogenic. The pathogenicity of a disease-causing agent is dependent on various factors, including the ability to invade the host organism, overcome its defenses, replicate within the host, and cause damage to the host's cells or tissues.
Pathogenicity can be measured in terms of the severity of the disease caused, the ability to spread from one host to another, and the mortality rate associated with the infection. Microorganisms with high pathogenicity are often referred to as pathogens and can cause a wide range of diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
The level of pathogenicity of a microorganism can vary greatly. Some pathogens are highly virulent, causing severe and life-threatening infections, while others may cause mild or even asymptomatic infections. Additionally, certain factors, such as the host's immune response and overall health, can also influence the pathogenicity of a microorganism.
Understanding the pathogenicity of different microorganisms is crucial in the field of medicine and public health. It aids in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as in the development of vaccines and preventive measures to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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The condition of being pathogenic or of causing disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Etymology of PATHOGENICITY
The word "pathogenicity" comes from the combination of two components: "pathogen" and "-icity".
1. "Pathogen" originates from the Greek word "pathos", meaning "suffering" or "disease", and "genēs", meaning "origin" or "producer". Thus, a pathogen is an organism or agent that causes disease or suffering.
2. "-icity" is a suffix derived from the Latin "–icitas", which denotes a state or quality of a specific characteristic. In this case, it refers to the quality of being pathogenic.
When these two components are combined, "pathogenicity" refers to the capacity or ability of an organism or agent to cause disease.
Similar spelling words for PATHOGENICITY
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