The spread and severity of infectious disease is influenced by many predisposing factors.
After an pathogen invades a host, it undergoes a series of phases that eventually lead to multiplication of the pathogen.
Once discovered, natural reservoirs elucidate the complete life cycle of infectious diseases, providing effective prevention and control.
Defining the means of transmission of a pathogen is important in understanding its biology and in addressing the disease it causes.
Pathogens have evolved to adapt to their environment and their host in order to survive.
Working with microorganisms, especially pathogens, requires special equipment and safety practices.
The index case is identified in epidemiology studies by tracking down the infected patients to try to determine how the disease originated.