What is a pathogen?

A pathogen is defined as a causative agent of a disease. This encompasses various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can invade host organisms and lead to illness. Pathogens can disrupt normal biological functions, trigger immune responses, and result in a range of health issues, from mild infections to severe diseases. Understanding the role of pathogens is crucial in fields such as medicine and public health, as it helps in the development of treatments and preventive measures against infectious diseases. Recognizing that not all agents that cause disease are pathogens is important; for instance, non-infectious agents like toxins or genetic mutations can also lead to disease but do not fall under the traditional definition of a pathogen.