👉
Thomson's theory of infection, proposed by Sir William Thomson (later known as Sir J. B. Thomson) in the late 19th century, describes the process by which microorganisms cause disease. According to this theory, infection begins when pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—enter a host organism through various routes like the respiratory tract, digestive system, or skin. Once inside, these pathogens must survive and multiply within the host's environment to evade the immune system and establish an infection. Thomson emphasized that the interaction between the pathogen and the host's tissues is crucial; the pathogen must adhere to and invade host cells, often by manipulating cellular processes. This invasion can lead to cell damage, inflammation, and ultimately, the symptoms of disease. The theory laid foundational groundwork for understanding how infectious agents cause illness, influencing subsequent developments in microbiology and immunology.
thomson:infection