The cause or origin of a disease.
That part of medical science dealing with the causes of disease.
The term “pathogenesis” refers to the scientific investigation of the origins of disease, as stated by the Oxford English Dictionary and in the field of plant pathology. However, there is a wide range of interpretations regarding the definition of this term. Some suggest that the study of the etiology of an ailment is merely limited to identifying the causal agent, while others argue that it encompasses the entire sequence of events leading to the manifestation of symptoms, as well as an analysis of all the factors that may alter this sequence. It is thus recommended that the term be used in a broader sense, i.e., the scientific investigation of the causes of disease, including the study of the causal factor, its characteristics, and its relationship with the host.
The term you are referring to is etiology. Etiology is the study of the various factors involved in causing a disease or the cause itself. It focuses on understanding the underlying causes, such as pathogens, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and other elements that contribute to the development and progression of a disease. By studying the etiology of a disease, researchers and healthcare professionals gain insights into its origins, risk factors, and mechanisms, which can help in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
In certain cases of a specific disorder, a particular etiology can be identified. For instance, laboratory investigations may reveal that an episode of diarrhea is caused by a specific type of virus or bacterium. However, some disorders have a multifactorial etiology, meaning they arise from a combination of causative factors. Degenerative arthritis, for example, is influenced by genetic susceptibility, repeated joint injuries, and excessive weight. Conversely, many disorders, such as schizophrenia, have an unknown etiology, meaning the exact cause is still not fully understood or identified.