virulence factors

Virulence factors are specific traits or abilities that enable microorganisms, like bacteria or viruses, to cause disease. These can include toxins that damage host tissues, enzymes that help pathogens invade or evade the immune system, and structures that enhance attachment to host cells. Essentially, they are the tools that help pathogens thrive in a host and overcome its defenses. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing treatments and vaccines, as they reveal how diseases spread and how we can combat them effectively.