👉 Infection refers to the process by which a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, enters and takes control of a host cell, leading to the disruption of normal cellular functions and potentially causing disease. For an infection to occur, several key requirements must be met: the presence of a susceptible host, the pathogen must be able to enter the host, typically through breaches in physical barriers like skin or mucous membranes; the pathogen needs to survive and replicate within the host, often evading or suppressing the host's immune response; and the pathogen must cause damage or trigger an immune reaction that leads to symptoms and potentially tissue damage or systemic illness. Understanding these requirements is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against infectious diseases.
