patogeense

Patogeense is Dutch for pathogenic, referring to microorganisms or other agents capable of causing disease in a host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions. Not all microorganisms are pathogenic; many are harmless or beneficial in certain contexts.

Pathogenicity is the ability to cause disease, which depends on virulence factors such as toxins, adhesion molecules, invasion proteins, and strategies to evade the host immune system. The outcome depends on the interaction between pathogen, host immune status, and environmental factors.

Transmission can be airborne, waterborne, foodborne, vector-borne, or by direct contact. Once inside a host, pathogens may colonize tissues, damage cells, produce toxins, or trigger inflammatory responses.

Some pathogens are obligate, requiring a host to replicate (e.g., many viruses). Others are opportunistic, causing disease mainly in immunocompromised individuals. Public health relies on surveillance, vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, hygiene, and infection-control measures.

Laboratory methods include culture, molecular assays such as PCR, antigen tests, and sequencing to identify pathogens and study virulence. Understanding pathogenicity informs prevention and treatment strategies.