👉 The infection pipeline begins when a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters the body through various routes like ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact. Once inside, the pathogen attaches to host cells, often exploiting specific receptors to gain entry. It then replicates, either by hijacking cellular machinery or releasing its own enzymes to break down host tissues. This replication phase can lead to cell damage and the release of new pathogens. The immune system responds by recognizing these invaders, initiating an inflammatory response to contain and eliminate the threat. Pathogens may evade or suppress this response through various mechanisms, leading to infection establishment. Over time, if left unchecked, the infection can progress to more severe stages, potentially causing disease symptoms and complications. Treatment aims to either eliminate the pathogen or mitigate its effects through antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive care.
