Patogénesis

Patogénesis refers to the biological mechanism or process by which a disease or pathological condition originates and develops. It encompasses the chain of events that leads from initial exposure to an etiological agent or internal malfunction to the observable signs and symptoms of illness. This process involves the interaction between the host organism and the causal agent, which can be a pathogen such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, or it can be an intrinsic factor like genetic mutation or environmental exposure.

The stages of patogénesis typically include entry into the host, adherence to host cells or tissues, invasion, multiplication or proliferation, and the subsequent damage caused to the host. This damage can manifest through direct cytotoxic effects of the pathogen, the production of toxins, or the host's own inflammatory and immune responses, which can sometimes be more harmful than the initial insult. Understanding the specific patogénesis of a disease is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It allows healthcare professionals to target interventions at specific points in the disease process to disrupt its progression and mitigate its effects on the patient.