Virulence is the quality of virulent (malignant or poisonous). The harmful and pathogenic character of a microorganism, whether a virus , a bacteria or a fungus , determines its virulence (a term that comes from the Latin virulentia ).
In other words, virulence is linked to the degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism; that is, its capacity to cause harm. The resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics implies their greater or lesser virulence. When virulence can be inhibited, we speak of attenuated organisms . Vaccination (which produces antibodies) is related to the cancellation of virulence.
Virulence factors
To describe the ability that different bacteria have to cause diseases, the path by which they enter the body is indicated, the results of the mechanisms that the host uses as defense and the essential characteristics of each one, which are called virulence factors ( They are generally proteins or other molecules genetically encoded in DNA and synthesized by enzymes).
The evaluation of the virulence of a pathogen whose effects are not fatal is very complex. Just as with antibiotic resistance, pathogens have a particular resistance. The host can produce an aggressive response to infections , through its defense mechanisms, and this is the cause of the wounds that are generally associated with an infectious process.
The term associated with a speech
In another sense, virulence can refer to the style of a speech or a text . When someone expresses himself with ardor or bitingness, it is said that he spoke with virulence. For example: "A president should not speak with such virulence about his opponents" , "The virulence of the speech surprised those in attendance, who were not expecting such expressions" , "On this occasion, the coach's words left aside the virulence and sought "concord."
The virulence of speech is usually associated with violence , although this is not entirely correct. Those who express themselves with virulence seem to have no limits in their statements, which often produces a confrontation with the recipient of the message. That is why virulence is considered a defect of speech, since the same thing could be expressed but with another tone or style that does not generate rejection in the impartial audience. Appealing to virulence, in short, is not convenient when you want to convince someone or present an argument.
Virulence and violence
First of all, it is necessary to briefly define the term violence : it is related to a large volume of force or intensity. On the other hand, virulence can refer to malignant and intense disorders, or to a style, writing or speech that stands out for its bitingness or for being hurtful, poisonous or harmful to a large extent.
Despite presenting clear differences, it is very common to find terms from the virulence family with the meaning that their equivalent has in the violence family. Let's look at some examples of this very common error: «Given the virulence of the flames, it will be practically impossible to control the fires during the next 24 hours» , «More than three hundred people were forced to leave their homes due to a virulent fire » .
According to many of the most important dictionaries of the Spanish language , the term virulent should not be used when looking for a synonym for violent; Instead, it is suggested to use some of the words with truly related meanings, such as devastating, devastating and voracious, among others. Likewise, it is not advisable to use the words virulence and strength or intensity interchangeably.