pathogenicity

American  

[path-oh-juh-nis-i-tee] / ˌpæθ oʊ dʒəˈnɪs ɪ ti /

noun

1. the disease-producing capacity of a pathogen.

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Etymology

Origin of pathogenicity

First recorded in 1895–1900; pathogenic + -ity

Example Sentences

Professor Brown told the BBC that the current virus was "as super-infectious as any high pathogenicity avian influenza we've ever seen".

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

Much to my chagrin, I learned there is a link between antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity, meaning that the C. acnes strains that are antibiotic-resistant are the same strains causing aggressive breakouts.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2025

They resistance profiled the compound against influenza viruses and mapped possible routes of viral escape, addressing specifically whether resistance affects viral pathogenicity and ability to transmit.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2024

"The most difficult period has passed," the official Xinhua news agency said in a commentary published late on Monday, citing the weakening pathogenicity of the virus and efforts to vaccinate 90% of the population.

From Reuters • Dec. 6, 2022

If the streptococcus is successfully isolated, inoculate serum bouillon cultivations into the mouse, guinea-pig, and rabbit, to determine its pathogenicity and virulence.

From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)