👉 Infection is a biological process where a pathogen, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enters and takes control of a host organism, leading to disease. This occurs when the pathogen breaches the body's natural defenses, often through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, and begins to multiply and spread. The immune system initially responds by recognizing and attempting to eliminate the invader, but if the pathogen is too virulent or the host's defenses are weakened, infection can progress, causing symptoms and potentially leading to severe illness or even death. Understanding infection involves grasping how pathogens invade, evade the immune system, and cause harm, as well as the body's mechanisms for defense and recovery.
