Etiologic agent

Etiologic Agent

An Etiologic Agent or Causative Agent is a biological, chemical, or physical entity that is responsible for causing a particular disease or condition. These agents can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, or other microorganisms. They can also be environmental factors such as radiation, heat, or toxic chemicals.

Types of Etiologic Agents

There are several types of etiologic agents, each with its own unique characteristics and modes of action.

Biological Agents

Biological Agents are living organisms that can cause disease. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause a variety of diseases, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

Viruses

Viruses are microscopic particles that can infect cells and cause diseases such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.

Fungi

Fungi are organisms that can cause diseases such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and candidiasis.

Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism and cause harm. Examples include malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.

Prions

Prions are infectious proteins that can cause diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru.

Chemical Agents

Chemical Agents are substances that can cause disease or injury. These include toxins, poisons, and carcinogens.

Physical Agents

Physical Agents are factors in the environment that can cause disease. These include radiation, heat, and cold.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of diseases caused by etiologic agents involve a variety of strategies, including vaccination, sanitation, personal hygiene, and quarantine.

See Also

• Pathogen
• Infectious Disease
• Epidemiology

Etiologic agent Resources
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