👉 Infection refers to the process by which a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters and takes control of a host's body, leading to disease. This occurs when the pathogen breaches the body's natural barriers, like the skin or mucous membranes, and begins to multiply or cause damage. The immune system initially responds with inflammation and other defenses, but if the pathogen is highly virulent or the host's defenses are weakened, infection can progress, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe illness or even death. Understanding infection is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures, such as vaccines and antibiotics, which aim to either neutralize pathogens or bolster the body's immune response to combat them effectively.
