infectious agent

Definitions

A biological entity, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite, capable of causing an infection or infectious disease in a host.

A pathogen that can be transmitted from one organism to another, potentially leading to the development of a disease.

Examples

The laboratory identified the virus as the primary infectious agent responsible for the sudden outbreak.

Strict sanitation protocols are essential to prevent the spread of any infectious agent within the hospital.

Scientists are studying how the infectious agent interacts with the host's immune system to develop a new vaccine.

Synonyms

pathogen germ microbe virus bacterium parasite microorganism

Antonyms

antiseptic disinfectant sanitizer antibiotic probiotic beneficial microbe sterilizer