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

Transmission was mainly between men who had sex with men, a population group with many HIV-infected individuals, who are particularly susceptible to monkeypox virus infection and pathogenicity.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2024

Department of Health and Human Services, extend the guidance to cover snippets as short as 50 nucleotides that could increase the toxicity or pathogenicity of organisms not on those lists.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 25, 2023

There are, however, a certain few organisms which commonly express their pathogenicity in the formation of pus.

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)