👉 Reached infection occurs when a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, successfully enters and establishes itself within a host's body, leading to an infection. This process typically involves the pathogen overcoming the host's initial defenses, such as physical barriers (like skin and mucous membranes) and immune responses. Once inside, the pathogen can multiply and spread, potentially causing disease. Factors like the pathogen's virulence, the host's immune status, and environmental conditions can influence whether an infection reaches a critical level that causes symptoms or progresses to more severe outcomes.