What biological term defines the ability of a disease-causing agent to cause harm, contrasting with host resistance?
Answer
Pathogen virulence
Pathogen virulence is the specific term used to describe the inherent capacity or ability of a disease-causing agent to inflict damage or harm upon the host organism. This concept exists in direct contrast to host resistance, which is the built-in ability of the host, determined by genetics and defenses, to thwart invasion. Understanding virulence is essential because successful resistance requires the host’s mechanisms to function faster or more effectively than the pathogen’s inherent capability to cause damage escalates.
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