Pathogen definition and what is a Pathogen

Definition and what is a Pathogen

Pathogen is a MICROBE capable of causing illness. The most common pathogens are BACTERIA, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The process through which a pathogen, also called an infectious agent, causes illness is pathogenesis. The body attempts to protect itself from pathogens through numerous mechanisms, key among them being ANTIBODYMEDIATED IMMUNITY and CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY. Vaccines and treatments with ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS, ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS, and ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS are among the methods available to contain and eradicate pathogens once they establish infection in the body.

See also FUNGUS; PARASITE; PROTOZOA; VACCINE; VIRUS.

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