👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, invades and takes control of a host organism, leading to disease. This invasion typically begins when the pathogen enters the body through various routes, such as the respiratory tract, skin, or digestive system. Once inside, the pathogen can multiply and spread, either directly to other cells or by evading the host's immune defenses. The interaction between the pathogen and the host triggers an immune response, which may attempt to eliminate the invader but can sometimes cause damage to the host's own tissues, leading to inflammation and symptoms of infection. Understanding infection is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures, such as antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and hygiene practices, to combat and control infectious diseases.
