pathogenesis
path-uh-JEN-uh-sis
/ˌpæθəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
The biological process and step-by-step chain of events leading to the development of a disease.
Focuses on the mechanism and progression through which a pathogen or stressor induces tissue damage.
The story behind the word. Combines Greek 'pathos' (suffering/disease) and 'genesis' (origin/birth). It was created in 19th-century European medical literature to map out the microscopic story of disease unfolding inside cells.
Word relationships
- disease development: 'Disease development' is an informal descriptive phrase, whereas 'pathogenesis' is the exact pathology term.
- mechanism: 'Mechanism' can apply to physics or chemistry, while 'pathogenesis' is strictly medical.
- salutogenesis: Salutogenesis is the process of creating health, whereas pathogenesis is the process of developing disease.
Commonly confused with
- etiology: Etiology identifies the cause (e.g., a virus); pathogenesis details how that cause ruins tissue step-by-step.
Word family
- pathogenetic (adjective): Relating to the development of disease.
Collocations
- viral pathogenesis
- pathogenesis of disease
- bacterial pathogenesis
- molecular pathogenesis
Example sentences
- "Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 helped researchers target key viral replication enzymes." Virology paper.
- "The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis involves lipid accumulation followed by localized inflammatory cascades." Medical textbook.
Memory hook
PATHOGENESIS = PATHOLOGY + GENESIS (the birth and journey of a pathology). Patho (disease) + Genesis (creation story).
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'etiology'; etiology is the root cause trigger, whereas pathogenesis is the subsequent process.
Fun facts
- Mapping the exact pathogenesis of an infection allows scientists to design drugs that block specific steps in the chain reaction.
Related words
Explore more words
pathogen, susceptibility, biomarker, physiology, prognosis, diagnosis
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