Pathogenicity: meaning, definitions and examples

Pathogenicity is used in scientific and medical contexts to describe the ability of an organism to cause disease. It is often used when discussing the mechanisms through which pathogens cause disease.

• The pathogenicity of the bacteria was studied in the laboratory.
• Researchers are investigating the pathogenicity of the new virus strain.

Infectiousness refers to how easily a pathogen can spread from one host to another. It is often used in discussions regarding the transmission rates and public health implications of diseases.

• The infectiousness of COVID-19 requires stringent measures to control its spread.
• Wearing masks can reduce the infectiousness of airborne diseases.

Virulence is used to describe the severity or harmfulness of a disease caused by a pathogen. It often suggests a high level of danger and serious health impacts.

• The virulence of the Ebola virus makes it extremely dangerous.
• Vaccines can sometimes reduce the virulence of microbial strains.

Disease-causing ability is a more general and layman's term that also describes the capacity of an organism to cause disease. It is suitable for use in broader, less technical discussions.

• The disease-causing ability of certain viruses makes them a serious public health concern.
• Scientists are trying to understand the disease-causing ability of the new pathogen.