👉 Exclusively, infection refers to the process by which a pathogen, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, enters and begins to multiply within a host organism. This invasion disrupts normal cellular functions and can lead to disease. The infection cycle typically involves attachment to host cells, penetration or entry, replication of the pathogen, and often evasion of the host's immune response. Exclusively, this process is characterized by the pathogen's exclusive reliance on the host's cellular machinery for its survival and propagation, without the involvement of external factors like nutrients from the environment. The outcome can range from mild symptoms to severe illness or death, depending on the pathogen and the host's immune status.
