What is the study of the distribution, causes, and control of diseases in populations called?

The study of the distribution, causes, and control of diseases in populations is called epidemiology. This field focuses on understanding how diseases affect the health of communities and the factors that influence their spread. Epidemiologists gather and analyze data to identify patterns and trends related to disease outbreaks, helping to establish strategies for prevention and control. By studying how diseases are distributed across different populations, researchers can pinpoint at-risk groups and devise targeted interventions to reduce transmission and improve public health outcomes.

In contrast, microbiology is concerned with studying microorganisms and their relationships with humans, animals, plants, and the environment but does not specifically focus on population dynamics. Immunology focuses on the immune system and how it responds to pathogens but does not encompass the broader aspects of disease distribution and control in populations. Pathology is the study of disease processes, primarily at the individual level, focusing on the structural and functional changes that occur in tissues and organs due to diseases, rather than assessing population-level impacts.