contagium

[ kuh n-tey-juh m, -jee-uh m ]

/ kənˈteɪ dʒəm, -dʒi əm /

the causative agent of a contagious or infectious disease, as a virus.

Origin of contagium

1645–55; < Latin, equivalent to contāg- (see contagion) + -ium -ium

Little has been said either of the nature of the contagium or of the conditions that modify its activity.

A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I |Various
He then sought to determine how the contagium maintained its vitality.

Fragments of science, V. 1-2 |John Tyndall
In his recent discourse upon the plague, he asks and answers the question, 'What is the contagium?'

Fragments of science, V. 1-2 |John Tyndall
Richardson believes that the contagium was attached to the thatch, which could not be thoroughly disinfected.

A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I |Various

The moment the contents of the tube cease to be virulent, it is a sign that the contagium is dead.

Louis Pasteur |Ren Vallery-Radot

contagium

/ (kənˈteɪdʒɪəm) /

pathol the specific virus or other direct cause of any infectious disease

C17: from Latin, variant of contāgiō contagion

contagium

[ kən-tā′jəm ]

The causative agent of a communicable disease; contagion.