👉 Authentic infection, also known as primary infection, refers to the initial entry and establishment of a pathogen (such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite) into a host's body. This process begins when the pathogen breaches the host's physical barriers, such as the skin or mucous membranes, through various means like direct contact, inhalation, ingestion, or vector-borne transmission. Once inside, the pathogen must evade or overcome the host's immune defenses to successfully colonize and replicate. This primary infection sets the stage for potential secondary infections if the host's immune system is compromised or if the pathogen mutates. Authentic infection is distinct from superinfection, where a previously infected host becomes newly infected by the same or a different pathogen.
