pathogenic

path·o·gen·ic | \ ˌpa-thə-ˈje-nik

How to pronounce pathogenic (audio)

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Definition of pathogenic

1 : pathogenetic sense 1

2 : causing or capable of causing disease

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Examples of pathogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Reclassifications from pathogenic to uncertain are extremely rare and patients must still be managed according to family history. — CBS News, "After cancer-prevention surgeries, women learn BRCA gene test may have been wrong," 24 Dec. 2019 While most strains are harmless, some are pathogenic and can cause illness, which typically includes stomach cramps and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). — Fox News, "Wisconsin sees 'significant increase' in E. coli cases: state health officials," 19 Nov. 2019 Listeria monocytogenes is a species of pathogenic bacteria that causes listeriosis — a serious infection that can be fatal in young children, the elderly people and people with weakened immune systems, according to the Food and Drug Administration. — Claudia Harmata, PEOPLE.com, "Trader Joe’s Is Recalling Some Food Items Over Potential Listeria Contamination — What to Know," 4 Dec. 2019 Early on, Ochman had been puzzling over two microbial mysteries: why genomes of E. coli strains can vary in size by as much as 50%, and how other bacteria abruptly change from benign to pathogenic. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "A love of insects and their microbial partners helped this biologist reveal secrets of symbiosis," 14 Nov. 2019 Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacteria that can cause listeriosis. — Allen Kim, CNN, "More than 100 vegetable products recalled for listeria concerns," 4 Nov. 2019 Her ophthalmologist quickly spotted an ulcer in the center of her cornea, which was positive for the pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Here’s why you should never use decorative contact lenses—in graphic pictures," 30 Oct. 2019 Silver nanoparticles kill pathogenic bacteria, according to a 2017 study in Chemistry Letters, so this rice might help fight human gut pathogens. — Debal Deb, Scientific American, "The Struggle to Save Heirloom Rice in India," 16 Oct. 2019 While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some are pathogenic and can cause illness, which typically includes stomach cramps and diarrhea, according to the CDC. — Fox News, "Child exposed to E. coli at San Diego County Fair dies, 3 others sickened: officials," 30 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pathogenic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

6 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Pathogenic.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogenic. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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