What criteria are established by Koch's postulates used for?

Koch's postulates are a foundational set of criteria used to establish a causal relationship between a specific microbe and a disease. Developed by Robert Koch in the late 19th century, these postulates outline a systematic approach to demonstrating that a particular organism is the cause of a specific infectious disease. The steps involve isolating the microorganism from a diseased subject, culturing it in the lab, and then showing that it can produce the same disease when introduced into a healthy host.

The significance of establishing disease causation lies in its impact on public health, medicine, and microbiology. By adhering to these postulates, scientists can confirm the responsibility of a pathogen in illness, leading to effective treatment and prevention strategies.