👉 Infection is a biological process where pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, invade and multiply within a host organism, causing disease. This occurs when these microorganisms breach the body's natural barriers, like the skin or mucous membranes, and establish themselves in tissues or organs. The immune system typically responds by initiating an inflammatory reaction to combat the invaders, but if the pathogen is too virulent or the host's defenses are compromised, infection can lead to symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe illness or even death. Understanding infection involves recognizing how pathogens enter the body, evade or manipulate the immune system, and cause damage, which is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures like vaccines and antibiotics.
