👉 An infection is an invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, which disrupt normal cellular functions and can lead to disease. When these microorganisms enter the body through various routes—like the respiratory tract, digestive system, or skin—they multiply and often evade the immune system's defenses. This can result in inflammation, tissue damage, and the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of the specific infection. For example, a bacterial infection might cause fever, swelling, and pus formation, while a viral infection could lead to congestion, fatigue, and cellular dysfunction. Effective treatment typically involves targeting the pathogen directly, either with antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral drugs for viral ones, to reduce the burden on the immune system and alleviate symptoms.
