noun
causative microorganism; pathogenic bacteria; pathogen
Medical term for the specific bacterium or microorganism that causes a disease. Used in clinical and scientific contexts.
この病気の原因菌はまだ特定されていない。
The causative microorganism of this disease has not yet been identified.
食中毒の原因菌としてサルモネラ菌がよく知られている。
Salmonella is well known as a pathogenic bacteria causing food poisoning.
Compound of 原因 (cause) and 菌 (bacterium, microorganism).