FOUNDATIONAL TERM
Pathogen
病原体
An infectious agent capable of causing infection under relevant conditions.
Study this concept in context
68 · Infection: pathogens, hosts and transmission
Infection reflects an interaction among an agent, its route of entry, host defences, and the environment. These relationships shape illness and opportunities for transmission.
Sources
- CDC: Infection control basics
- CDC: How infections spread
- CDC: Antibiotic do’s and don’ts
- CDC: Antimicrobial resistance
- CDC: Cleaner air
- CDC: Sepsis
Definitions come from the published lessons. Read the linked lesson for mechanisms, conditions and examples.