👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite, invades and takes control of a host's cells or tissues, leading to disease. This invasion disrupts normal cellular functions and can cause damage or trigger an immune response. The infection cycle typically begins when the pathogen enters the body through various routes, like ingestion, inhalation, or contact. Once inside, the pathogen may multiply, evade the host's defenses, and spread to other parts of the body, often facilitated by the host's own immune system if it fails to contain the threat. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe, depending on the pathogen and the host's immune response, and treatment usually involves managing symptoms or targeting the specific pathogen with antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or other medications.
