What is defined as a trait of a microorganism that enhances its pathogenicity?

A virulence factor is a characteristic of a microorganism that enhances its ability to cause disease. These traits can include various structures, toxins, or mechanisms that pathogens use to invade host tissues, evade the immune response, or obtain nutrients from the host. Examples of virulence factors include adhesins that help bacteria stick to host cells, enzymes that break down host tissue, and toxins that can damage host cells or disrupt normal functions.

Understanding virulence factors is crucial in pathogenic microbiology because they are the key elements that define how a microbe interacts with its host and establishes infection. This concept is foundational for developing therapeutic strategies and vaccines, highlighting the importance of targeting these factors in combatting infectious diseases.