noun
- the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host organism
Usage: medical; biological
Examples
- The pathogenicity of the bacteria was confirmed through laboratory testing.
- Scientists study the pathogenicity of viruses to develop better treatments.
- The mutation increased the pathogenicity of the strain significantly.
- Researchers compared the pathogenicity of different fungal species.
- Understanding pathogenicity helps predict disease outbreaks.
- The pathogenicity of the organism varies depending on the host’s immune system.