The key difference between antigen and pathogen is that an antigen is a substance capable of eliciting an immune response, while a pathogen refers to a microorganism that causes disease. Pathogens encompass bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. An antigen may consist of proteins, polysaccharides, or lipids present on the surface of a pathogen.
What is Antigen?
An antigen serves as a stimulus provoking an immune reaction within the body. It encompasses proteins, carbohydrates, or lipids identified by the immune system as external and potentially harmful. Antigens manifest on the exteriors of viruses, bacteria, various pathogens, and even on cells within the body that have undergone infection or mutation.
Upon detection of an antigen, the immune system initiates the production of antibodies, specialized proteins that attach to and counteract the antigen. This mechanism stands as a pivotal component of the body’s protective response against infections and illnesses.
What is Pathogen?
A pathogen refers to a microscopic organism, comprising viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, which induces illness in its host. These harmful agents can infiltrate the body through various avenues such as inhalation, ingestion, or contact with bodily fluids.
Once within the body, pathogens have the capability to replicate and propagate, resulting in tissue and organ damage while instigating an immune reaction. The body’s defense mechanism against a pathogen encompasses the generation of antibodies, inflammation, and the mobilization of immune cells designed to locate and eradicate the invader.
Pathogens are accountable for a broad spectrum of ailments, ranging from mild infections like the common cold to more severe conditions such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
Antigen vs Pathogen
The primary difference between antigen and pathogen is given below:
| Feature | Antigen | Pathogen |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A substance recognized by the immune system as foreign and capable of triggering an immune response. | A microorganism (virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite) that causes disease in its host. |
| Nature | Can be a protein, carbohydrate, or lipid found on the surface of pathogens or infected/mutated cells. | Microscopic organism capable of replication and causing illness. |
| Role | Initiates immune response by triggering the production of antibodies. | Directly causes disease by invading host cells, replicating, and damaging tissues. |
| Origin | Can originate from pathogens, infected cells, or mutated cells. | Arises from external sources and infects the host organism. |
| Examples | Proteins on the surface of a virus, bacteria, or infected cell. | Influenza virus, Salmonella bacteria, Candida fungus, Plasmodium parasite. |