pathogenicity

Pathogenicity refers to the ability of an organism, typically a microbe like bacteria or viruses, to cause disease in a host, such as humans or animals. It involves the organism's capacity to invade the host, evade the immune system, and produce harmful effects. Factors influencing pathogenicity include the microbe’s virulence (or strength), its mode of transmission, and the host’s health. Understanding pathogenicity helps in developing treatments and preventive measures for infectious diseases. Effective medical responses often rely on studying how pathogens interact with their hosts and the environments in which they thrive.