Capable of being caused by, involving, or transmitted through an infectious agent.
The word infectious describes something related to an infection. An infectious condition occurs when an infectious agent, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, enters a host and establishes an infection.
“Infectious” does not necessarily mean “contagious.” Some infectious diseases can spread from person to person, while others require a vector, contaminated food or water, environmental exposure, or another route of transmission.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Contagious: specifically describes an infectious condition that can be transmitted from one person or animal to another, directly or indirectly.
- Infective: often used similarly in medical language, although “infectious” is generally more common when describing diseases or agents.
SEE ALSO
