👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, enters and takes control of a host's cells, leading to disease. This occurs when the pathogen breaches the body's natural barriers, like the skin or mucous membranes, and begins to multiply. The immune system then responds by attempting to eliminate the invader, but if the infection is severe or the pathogen is particularly virulent, it can overwhelm the host's defenses, causing illness. Infections can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting over longer durations. Understanding infection is crucial in medicine for developing treatments and preventive measures, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections and vaccines to stimulate immunity against viruses.
