Pathogen
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<speciesfyi-glossary slug="pathogen"></speciesfyi-glossary>Definition
A microorganism capable of causing disease in its host, including certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Detailed Explanation
Pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to evade host immunity: bacteria form biofilms, viruses mutate rapidly, and some parasites mimic host molecules. The emergence of novel pathogens is driven by habitat destruction bringing humans into contact with wildlife reservoir species, and climate change expanding disease vectors' ranges. Zoonotic diseases — those jumping from animals to humans — cause the majority of emerging infectious disease events.