The term "pathogen," introduced in 1880, is a combination of patho ("disease") and gen, which indicates a "producer." Hence, the term "pathogen" most commonly refers to any infectious organism that can inflict damage on its host. Pathogens include diverse groups of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, and parasites. The term "pathogen," however, is less commonly used in referring to noninfectious agents of disease, such as chemicals. Furthermore, some organisms classified... więcej

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2023. 3p.