pathogen
A pathogen is a very small living thing, like a virus or bacteria, that gets into a body and makes it sick.
A pathogen is a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, that can enter a host and cause disease.
- Base: pathogen
- Plural: pathogens
airborne pathogen
1Pathogen spread through the air
A harmful germ that moves through the air, usually when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
- Masks can help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens in crowded indoor spaces.
- Ventilation systems are upgraded to filter out airborne pathogens in hospitals.
emerging pathogen
1New or rapidly spreading pathogen
A germ that has recently started to infect people or is suddenly infecting many more people than before.
- Researchers are closely monitoring several emerging pathogens that could cause future pandemics.
- Global travel can help an emerging pathogen spread quickly between countries.
foodborne pathogen
1Pathogen spread through contaminated food
A harmful germ that gets into people through food that is dirty or not cooked enough.
- Proper refrigeration is essential to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens.
- The restaurant was closed after tests found a dangerous foodborne pathogen in the kitchen.
pathogen load
1Amount of pathogen present
How many germs are in a person or in something like water, air, or soil.
- The severity of symptoms often increases with higher pathogen load.
- Improved sanitation has helped to reduce the pathogen load in local rivers.
pathogen of concern
1Pathogen that needs special attention
A germ that experts think is especially important or dangerous, so they watch it very closely.
- The World Health Organization has listed the virus as a pathogen of concern due to its high fatality rate.
- Several antibiotic-resistant bacteria are now considered pathogens of concern in hospitals.
waterborne pathogen
1Pathogen spread through water
A harmful germ that spreads to people through dirty or unsafe water.
- Boiling drinking water is a simple way to kill most waterborne pathogens.
- Floods can contaminate wells and increase the risk of waterborne pathogens.