What is the difference between an antigen and a pathogen?!


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Let's start with pathogen. A pathogen is any organism capable of producing disease.

An antigen refers to the protein on the surface of a cell (bacterium, fungus or virus) that our bodies recognize as a foreign substance and triggers the immune system into producing antibodies specific to that antigen. This means that if in the future the same antigen is again introduced, our immune system will recognize, remember and produce the right antibodies to "deal" with the intruders.

Now it's easier to see the relationship between the two. Pathogens have antigens on their surface. The relationship also explains the difference.

An antigen is an organic molecule, generally a protein that is capable of inciting an antibody response in the body. A pathogen is generally a microorganism that is capable of infecting the body, multiplying and by so doing causing an infection or disease. Pathogens often are composed of antigenic proteins that stimulate the human immune response and enable us to fight off the infection or disease.

An antigen is a foreign substance that triggers a reaction from the immune system. Antigens are often found on the surfaces of bacteria and viruses. A pathogen is a microscopic organism that causes sickness. Hostile bacteria and viruses are examples of pathogens.





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