The term pathogenesis stems from the Greek pathos 'disease' and genesis 'development' and thus pathogenesis, simply stated, is the ability of an organism to cause disease. In contrast, the term virulence has been defined as the relative ability of a pathogen to cause disease.

Where does pathogenesis occur?

Pathogenic mechanisms include implantation of the virus at a body site (the portal of entry), replication at that site, and then spread to and multiplication within sites (target organs) where disease or shedding of virus into the environment occurs.

What does pathogenesis mean?

Pathogenesis: The development of a disease and the chain of events leading to that disease.