👉 Infection is a process where a pathogen, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, enters a host and begins to multiply, often causing disease. This occurs when the pathogen breaches the body's natural barriers, like the skin or mucous membranes, and either directly invades cells or triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation and tissue damage. The interaction between the pathogen and the host's immune system is crucial; if the immune system effectively combats the infection, it can clear the pathogen. However, if the pathogen evades or overwhelms the immune defenses, it can lead to infection, potentially resulting in illness or disease. Factors such as the pathogen's virulence, the host's health status, and environmental conditions influence the outcome of this interaction.
