👉 Graduated infection, also known as progressive or staged infection, is a clinical concept used to describe the sequential and often overlapping stages of an infection's progression within a host. This model acknowledges that infections do not always develop uniformly; instead, they can advance through distinct phases characterized by varying symptoms, immune responses, and tissue damage. The initial phase involves the entry and colonization of pathogens, followed by an incubation period where the infection may remain asymptomatic or mild. As the infection advances, it triggers a more robust immune response, leading to inflammation and potential tissue injury. In later stages, the infection can spread to deeper tissues or organs, causing more severe symptoms and complications. Understanding graduated infection helps clinicians predict disease progression, tailor treatment strategies, and monitor patient outcomes more effectively.
