HealthAugust 20, 2026

pathogens

PATH-uh-juhnz

Definition

Microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, that can cause disease in a host organism.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek words 'pathos' (suffering) and 'genes' (born from), combined in the 19th century to describe agents that produce disease.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the harmful agents that the immune system, once weakened by measles, struggles to recognize and fight off effectively.

Measles vaccination remains highly effective

Read the full article ↗

UCLA Health

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