Also means
causative agent
Usage Note
Erreger is the pathogen that causes a disease, from erregen (to excite, provoke). The plural is unchanged. Specific types are named Krankheitserreger; it covers bacteria, viruses and fungi alike.
Examples
"Der Erreger der Krankheit wurde im Labor identifiziert."
Natural Translation
The pathogen of the disease was identified in the laboratory.
Literal Translation
The pathogen of-the disease was in-the laboratory identified.

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