Pathogenicity, Virulence and Virulence Attenuation

Question 1

Pathogenicity:

Answer 1

unique properties of each pathogen & overall ability to cause disease

Question 2

Virulence:

Answer 2

measure of pathogenicity and relative ability to cause disease. Quantifiable amount (especially if animal model is available & is lethal). Virulence of pathogens can change over time.

Question 3

Pathogenicity & virulence can vary depending

Answer 3

Ability to adhere
Colonize
Invade
Arsenal of virulence factors
the strain of same bacteria/virus

Question 4

Highly virulent strains result in

Answer 4

epidemics or pandemics

Question 5

LD50

Answer 5

measure of virulence, “lethal dose 50” is the number of cells of a pathogen/virion that will kill 50% of the population of the host organism in a test group