Etiology

Synonyms

Etiology; Cause

Definition

Etiology is defined as the “cause of ill health.”

Introduction

The term “etiology” refers to the branch of science that deals with the cause of any disease. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “etiology” as cause or origin, which is commonly discussed in the context of ill-health (Dictionary 2006). It is derived from Greek words (aitia meaning cause and logia meaning study). The term “etiology” is used synonymously, widely in literature. Etiology is often described together with the pathogenesis (how the disease develops/evolves). The term “etiopathogenesis” is used to describe the process of development of disease with specific reference to the underlying etiology. The pathogenesis of a disease is mostly defined by its underlying etiology. For example, the pathogenesis of inflammation due to tubercular bacteria is different from that caused by herpesvirus. Etiology guides in the classification of diseases and their management.

Classification of...