👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters a host and begins to replicate, often causing disease. The process starts when the pathogen comes into contact with the host's body, typically through vectors like mosquitoes or direct contact. Once inside, the pathogen must evade or overcome the host's immune defenses to establish itself. For viruses, this involves binding to specific receptors on host cells and hijacking the cell's machinery to produce more viral particles. Bacteria may release toxins or form biofilms to survive and spread. The infection can lead to various outcomes, from mild symptoms to severe illness or death, depending on the pathogen's virulence and the host's immune response. Effective treatment often requires targeting specific stages of the infection cycle, such as preventing entry, inhibiting replication, or boosting the immune system.
