pathogen
noun
path·o·gen
ˈpa-thə-jən 
: a specific causative agent (such as a bacterium or virus) of disease
Examples of pathogen in a Sentence
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The exception is a pathogen in this family of viruses called the Andes virus—for which several people who were onboard the MV Hondius have tested positive.
—
Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 May 2026
While the World Health Organization says the threat posed from the current outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius is low, WHO has classified hantaviruses as emerging priority pathogens with high potential to spark international public health emergencies because of how serious these infections can be.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
The dairy in the products may be contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen that can cause severe foodborne illness, though no illnesses have been reported to date.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 4 May 2026
Hantaviruses, a family of pathogens, are spread by rodents, mostly mice, and excreted in the animals’ saliva, droppings and urine.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 4 May 2026
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Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 May 2026
While the World Health Organization says the threat posed from the current outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius is low, WHO has classified hantaviruses as emerging priority pathogens with high potential to spark international public health emergencies because of how serious these infections can be.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
The dairy in the products may be contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen that can cause severe foodborne illness, though no illnesses have been reported to date.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 4 May 2026
Hantaviruses, a family of pathogens, are spread by rodents, mostly mice, and excreted in the animals’ saliva, droppings and urine.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pathogen
Cite this Entry
“Pathogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathogen. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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pathogen
noun
patho·gen
ˈpath-ə-jən
: a specific causative agent (as a bacterium or virus) of disease
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