The name Pathogenos comes from the Greek word pathos (suffering or disease) and genes (to produce). In this sense, a pathogen is a disease-producing microorganism, often invisible to the eye but capable of having devastating effects.

These microbial villains have shaped global health in profound ways, especially in Latin America

Between 2000 and 2019, six major groups of non-communicable diseases, i.e., cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, diabetes, neurological conditions, and mental and substance use disorders, accounted for 77% of all deaths and 63% of all disability in the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

But what’s often overlooked is this: pathogens can cause, worsen, or increase the risk for all six of these conditions.

Helicobacter pylori and cytomegalovirus seropositivity have been linked to a sixfold increase in heart attack risk. Infections cause 15–20% of all cancers globally, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries. Bacterial and viral pathogens are the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and lower respiratory infections. Viral infections have been associated with type 1 diabetes and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis (e.g., Epstein-Barr Virus).

Despite decades of scientific progress, much of the public remains unaware, uninformed, or unable to understand the science behind these connections. This knowledge gap contributes to rising distrust in science.

In a 2023 Pew Research survey, only 49% of Hispanic adults believed science has a mostly positive effect on society. Even more concerning, strong confidence in medical scientists dropped from 45% in April 2020 to just 29% by early 2022.

But there is hope: the majority still holds some level of trust in science and scientists.