infektiokykyä
Infektiokykyä refers to the ability of a pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, to cause infection in a host. This capability is influenced by several factors related to both the pathogen and the host. For the pathogen, key aspects include its virulence factors, which are molecules or strategies that help it invade, survive within, and damage the host. These can include toxins, enzymes that break down host tissues, or mechanisms to evade the host's immune system. The pathogen's ability to adhere to host cells, penetrate barriers like the skin or mucous membranes, and replicate effectively within the host are also crucial components of its infektiokykyä.
The host's own defenses play a significant role in determining whether an infection can take hold. A