Pathogenicity

Pronunciation
/pa-THOH-jen-i-tee/
Category
Pathology
Singular
Pathogenicity
Plural
Pathogenicities

Definition

The ability of a pathogen to cause disease in a host.

Etymology

From Greek 'pathos' meaning 'suffering' and 'genesis' meaning 'origin'.

Example

The pathogenicity of the strain of E. coli O157:H7 can vary greatly.

Related Terms