Definitions
- Describing a microorganism that causes disease in humans, animals, or plants. - Referring to a virus, bacterium, fungus, or other infectious agent that can cause illness or infection. - Talking about a harmful agent that can invade and multiply within a host organism, leading to disease or infection.
- Referring to a microbe or microorganism that can cause disease or infection. - Describing a small particle or organism that can spread from person to person and cause illness. - Talking about a harmful agent that can enter the body and cause infection or disease.
List of Similarities
- 1Both pathogen and germ refer to microorganisms that can cause disease or infection.
- 2Both can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
- 3Both can lead to illness or disease if not properly treated or prevented.
- 4Both are invisible to the naked eye and require specialized equipment to detect.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Pathogen refers specifically to microorganisms that cause disease, while germ can also refer to non-pathogenic microorganisms or particles.
- 2Formality: Pathogen is more formal and scientific than germ, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 3Connotation: Pathogen has a more negative connotation than germ, which can be used in neutral or even positive contexts (e.g. probiotics).
- 4Specificity: Pathogen is more specific than germ, which can refer to a wide range of microorganisms or particles.
Remember this!
Pathogen and germ are both synonyms for microorganisms that can cause disease or infection. However, pathogen is more specific and scientific, referring specifically to microorganisms that cause disease, while germ is a more general term that can also include non-pathogenic microorganisms or particles. Additionally, pathogen emphasizes the origin of the microorganism, while germ focuses on its ability to cause infection.
