Pathogens: meaning, definitions and examples
🦠
pathogens
[ ˈpæθ.ə.dʒənz ]
microorganisms
Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella can contaminate food and cause food poisoning.
- The flu virus is a common pathogen that can spread easily from person to person.
- Preventing the spread of pathogens is crucial in maintaining public health.
healthcare
In the context of healthcare, pathogens are often studied and researched to understand how diseases spread and how to develop treatments and vaccines.
Synonyms
disease-causing agents, infectious agents
Examples of usage
- Researchers are constantly studying new pathogens to stay ahead of potential outbreaks.
- Understanding the behavior of pathogens is essential in controlling infectious diseases.
environment
Pathogens can also impact the environment by affecting ecosystems and wildlife populations.
Synonyms
ecological hazards, microbial threats
Examples of usage
- Pathogens introduced through contaminated water sources can harm aquatic life.
- Wildlife conservation efforts often consider the impact of pathogens on endangered species.
Translations
Translations of the word "pathogens" in other languages:
🇵🇹 patógenos
🇮🇳 रोगजनक
🇩🇪 Pathogene
🇮🇩 patogen
🇺🇦 патогени
🇵🇱 patogeny
🇯🇵 病原体
🇫🇷 agents pathogènes
🇪🇸 patógenos
🇹🇷 patojenler
🇰🇷 병원체
🇸🇦 مُمْرِضات
🇨🇿 patogeny
🇸🇰 patogény
🇨🇳 病原体
🇸🇮 patogeni
🇮🇸 sýklar
🇰🇿 патогендер
🇬🇪 პათოგენები
🇦🇿 patogenlər
🇲🇽 patógenos
Word origin
The term "pathogen" originates from the Greek words "pathos" meaning "suffering" and "gen" meaning "producer". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe disease-causing microorganisms. Over time, the study of pathogens has significantly contributed to the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases.