Biologic Function
virulence

vir·u·lence [ vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh- ]
Etymology:
Latin virulentus = full of poison; from virus = poison
Definitions related to virulence:
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Degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism as indicated by the severity of the disease produced and its ability to invade the tissues of a host; the competence of any infectious agent to produce pathologic effects.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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The ability of a microorganism to cause damage to its host.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its VIRULENCE FACTORS.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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