👉 Infection is a process where a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters and begins to multiply within a host organism, often leading to disease. This occurs when the pathogen breaches the body's defenses, typically through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Once inside, the pathogen can replicate rapidly, overwhelming the host's immune system and causing damage to tissues and organs. Symptoms of infection can vary widely depending on the type of pathogen and the affected area but often include inflammation, fever, and the presence of foreign substances like pus. The body's immune response, while crucial in fighting off the infection, can also contribute to the symptoms, as the immune cells attack the invading pathogens, sometimes inadvertently harming healthy tissues. Understanding infection is key to developing effective treatments and preventive measures, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections and vaccines for viral ones.
