👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, invades and takes control of a host's cells, leading to disease. Actors in this context include the pathogen itself, which can be highly specialized to evade the host's immune system and replicate within its target cells; the host, whose immune system responds by recognizing and attacking the invader through various mechanisms like inflammation and the production of antibodies; and the environment, which can influence the spread and severity of infection. Pathogens often exploit specific receptors on host cells to gain entry, and once inside, they can replicate rapidly, sometimes causing direct damage or triggering an immune response that can lead to symptoms and complications. Understanding these actors is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures against infectious diseases.
