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An
infection
is an invasion of the body by a pathogen, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, which disrupts normal cellular function and can cause disease. When a pathogen enters the body, it begins to multiply and interact with host cells, often triggering an immune response. This interaction can lead to symptoms like inflammation, tissue damage, and illness. In contrast,
infection
itself is not inherently harmful; it is the presence of the pathogen that causes harm. The body's immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing the invading agent, aiming to eliminate it and restore health. Essentially, infection is the result of a pathogen's presence and activity within the body, while infection is the state of being infected.