<P> In the context of gene for gene systems , often in plants , virulence refers to a pathogen 's ability to infect a resistant host . In most other contexts , especially in animal systems , virulence refers to the degree of damage caused by a microbe to its host . The pathogenicity of an organism - its ability to cause disease - is determined by its virulence factors . The noun virulence derives from the adjective virulent . Virulent can describe either disease severity or a pathogen 's infectivity . The word virulent derives from the Latin word virulentus , meaning `` a poisoned wound '' or `` full of poison . '' </P>
<P> In the context of gene for gene systems , often in plants , virulence refers to a pathogen 's ability to infect a resistant host . In most other contexts , especially in animal systems , virulence refers to the degree of damage caused by a microbe to its host . The pathogenicity of an organism - its ability to cause disease - is determined by its virulence factors . The noun virulence derives from the adjective virulent . Virulent can describe either disease severity or a pathogen 's infectivity . The word virulent derives from the Latin word virulentus , meaning `` a poisoned wound '' or `` full of poison . '' </P>
what is the term used to describe the disease producing power of a microorganism
what is the term used to describe the disease producing power of a microorganism
Virulent
Virulent