👉 The term "infection" refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, within a host organism, leading to disease. These pathogens can enter the body through various routes—like the skin, mucous membranes, or respiratory tract—and establish themselves, often evading or manipulating the host's immune defenses. Once inside, they multiply and can cause harm by disrupting normal cellular functions, triggering inflammatory responses, or directly damaging tissues. This process of invasion and subsequent disease manifestation is what we call infection. The severity of an infection depends on factors like the type of pathogen, the host's immune system strength, and environmental conditions. Understanding infection is crucial for developing treatments and preventive measures to combat diseases.
