10.2: Pathogen Identification Last updated Save as PDF Page ID 8687 Boundless Boundless 10.2A: Occurrence of a Disease An occurrence of disease greater than would be expected at a particular time and place is called an outbreak. 10.2B: Disease Severity and Duration The severity and duration of diseases vary greatly and are important for epidemiological studies. 10.2C: Extent of Host Involvement Host-pathogen interactions are the interactions taking place between a pathogen (e.g. virus, bacteria) and their host (e.g. humans, plants). 10.2D: Identification of Microbes Based on Molecular Genetics Modern nucleic acid-based microbial detection methods make it possible to identify microbes that are associated with a disease.