pathogen etymology

Etymology

  • Greek:
    • "pathos" (πάθος) meaning "suffering" or "disease"
    • "-gen" (γεν) meaning "born" or "produced"

Meaning

A pathogen is an agent that causes disease. It can be a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or protozoan, or it can be a non-living agent, such as a toxin.

Origin

The term "pathogen" was first used in the late 19th century by German pathologist Rudolf Virchow. Virchow used the term to describe the agents that he believed caused disease. He believed that these agents were living organisms that could be transmitted from one person to another.

The term "pathogen" has since been used to describe a wide range of agents that can cause disease. These agents can be found in the environment, in food, or in the body of another person. Some pathogens are highly contagious, while others are only spread through contact with infected animals or insects.

The study of pathogens is called pathology. Pathologists use a variety of techniques to identify and diagnose pathogens. These techniques include microscopy, culturing, and molecular testing. Pathologists also study the ways that pathogens cause disease and develop new treatments to fight them.

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