Virulence Factors

**Definition:** Those components of an organism that determine its capacity to cause disease but are not required for its viability per se. Two classes have been characterized: TOXINS, BIOLOGICAL and surface adhesion molecules that effect the ability of the microorganism to invade and colonize a host. (From Davis et al., Microbiology, 4th ed. p486)

**Tree numbers:** - D23.946.896

**Synonyms:** - Pathogenicity Factor - Virulence Factor - Pathogenicity Factors