INFECTIVE AGENT Meaning and
Definition
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An infective agent, also referred to as a pathogen, is a microorganism or biologic agent capable of causing an infection or disease in a host organism. These agents encompass a wide range of biological entities that can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can multiply and cause harm by directly invading tissues or by releasing toxins. Viruses are tiny infectious particles composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed within a protein coat, which can only replicate inside a host cell. Fungal infective agents, such as yeasts and molds, can cause infections in various body parts, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Parasites are organisms that live and feed on or inside another organism (the host), often causing damage in the process. Lastly, prions are abnormally folded proteins that can contaminate normal proteins within the body, leading to degenerative brain disorders.
Infective agents are capable of entering the body through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, direct contact, and insect bites. Once inside, they have the ability to evade or overcome the host's immune defenses, multiply, and damage tissues or disrupt normal physiological functions, resulting in infection. The severity and duration of the infection can vary depending on the specific infective agent, the individual's immune response, and other factors such as concurrent illnesses or underlying health conditions.
Understanding these infective agents is crucial in developing effective strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of infectious diseases.
Common Misspellings for INFECTIVE AGENT
- unfective agent
- jnfective agent
- knfective agent
- onfective agent
- 9nfective agent
- 8nfective agent
- ibfective agent
- imfective agent
- ijfective agent
- ihfective agent
- indective agent
- incective agent
- invective agent
- ingective agent
- intective agent
- inrective agent
- infwctive agent
- infsctive agent
- infdctive agent
- infrctive agent
Etymology of INFECTIVE AGENT
The word "infective" is derived from the Latin word "infectus", which means "contaminated" or "polluted". The term "agent" comes from the Latin word "agens", meaning "doing" or "acting". Therefore, the etymology of the term "infective agent" suggests that it refers to something that has the capability to contaminate or cause infection.
Similar spelling words for INFECTIVE AGENT
