👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite, invades and takes control of a host organism, leading to disease. This process begins when the pathogen enters the body through various routes, including respiratory droplets, contaminated food or water, or direct contact. Once inside, the pathogen begins to multiply and spread, often evading or suppressing the host's immune defenses. The interaction between the pathogen and the host's cells can cause damage, leading to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness. The infection progresses as the pathogen replicates, potentially causing inflammation, tissue destruction, and systemic effects depending on the type of pathogen and the host's overall health. The body's immune system then mounts a response to combat the infection, involving both innate and adaptive immunity, which can either clear the pathogen or lead to chronic infection if the pathogen persists. Understanding the dynamics of infection is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures.
