Capable of being infected; susceptible to the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms or viruses. This refers to a state where a living organism, tissue, or environment is vulnerable to the introduction and subsequent establishment of an infectious agent, leading to a disease or adverse condition. The level of infectability can vary based on factors such as the host's immune status, the infectious agent's virulence, and environmental conditions. This contrasts with immune or resistant states. Factors such as prior exposure, vaccination, or genetic predisposition greatly affects a being's state of infectability.
Infectable meaning with examples
- The research team discovered that a specific group of cells within the lung tissue were highly infectable by the new strain of influenza, suggesting a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Further study into these cells could hold the key to new cures.
- During the outbreak, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions were identified as particularly infectable groups, prompting public health officials to recommend heightened precautions and promote vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread.
- The scientists determined the soil surrounding the spill site was infectable with a novel bacterium that could degrade the contaminant, representing a form of bioremediation and a way to undo damage that has already taken place.
- In their experiment on rabbits, the team was surprised to find that the animals were not infectable with the disease, which suggested that their genetics were resistant to the virus, presenting a chance at furthering human knowledge.