👉 Infection, particularly in biological contexts, refers to the process by which a pathogen—such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite—invades and takes control of a host's cells or tissues, leading to disease. When a pathogen enters the body, it can trigger an immune response, but sometimes the infection can evade or overwhelm this defense, resulting in infection. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as the pathogen directly damaging host cells, producing toxins that disrupt normal cellular functions, or hiding within host cells to avoid detection. The severity of infection depends on factors like the type of pathogen, the host's immune system, and the site of infection. For example, a bacterial infection might cause inflammation and tissue damage, while a viral infection could lead to cell death and organ dysfunction. Understanding the dynamics of infection is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures.
