Host factor
Host factor (sometimes known as risk factor)[1] is a medical term referring to the traits of an individual person or animal that affect susceptibility to disease, especially in comparison to other individuals.[2] The term arose in the context of infectious disease research, in contrast to "organism factors", such as the virulence and infectivity of a microbe. Host factors that may vary in a population and affect disease susceptibility can be innate or acquired.
Some examples: [1]
- general health
- psychological characteristics and attitude
- nutritional state
- social ties
- previous exposure to the organism or related antigens
- haplotype or other specific genetic differences of immune function
- substance abuse
- race
The term is now used in oncology and many other medical contexts related to individual differences of disease vulnerability.
See also
- Vulnerability index
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
References
- ^ a b "Principles of Epidemiology | Lesson 1 - Section 8". www.cdc.gov. 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ^ "Host factors". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
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