👉 Infections occur when pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enter the body and multiply, often leading to disease. The process of infection involves complex interactions between these pathogens and the host's immune system. Partnerships between pathogens and the host can be highly specific; for example, a virus may hijack host cells to replicate, while bacteria might form biofilms that protect them from immune responses or antibiotics. Additionally, some pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade or suppress the immune system, such as altering their surface proteins or producing toxins. These interactions highlight the dynamic and often adversarial relationship between infections and the host's defenses, where successful infection depends on the pathogen's ability to exploit host vulnerabilities and the host's capacity to mount an effective immune response.
