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Pathogenicity

Introduction

The ability of a microorganism to cause any kind of damage (i.e. disease) to the host animal is called pathogenicity and microorganisms that have this ability are called pathogenes (or pathogenic organisms). Pathogenic is an "all-or-none-characteristic", i.e. a microorganism is either pathogenic or non-pathogenic in a given host animal. Virulence is not synonymous with pathogenicity, but describes the degree of damage that the pathogen has caused. A highly virulent bacterium is very contagious and/or gives severe symptoms.

Obligate or opportunistic pathogens

A microorganism may be an obligate pathogen or an opportunistic pathogen. An obligate pathogen can be found in the host animal only in connection with disease. Microorganisms, which are found in healthy host animals, but which may cause a disease in certain circumstances are known as opportunistic pathogens. Such circumstances may be an immunocompromised host, other infection, tissue damage, etc.

Characteristics that make a bacterium pathogenic

Production of toxin.
Production of adhesin.
Production of capsule.

Updated: 2015-03-03.

VetBact

Pathogenicity

Introduction

Obligate or opportunistic pathogens

Characteristics that make a bacterium pathogenic

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