infects

Infects is the third-person singular present tense of the verb infect, meaning to cause infection in a host. In clinical and biological contexts, to infect a person, animal, or plant is to introduce a pathogen that colonizes tissues and multiplies, potentially leading to illness.

Infection involves transmission from an infected source to a susceptible host, entry into tissues, replication, and often interaction with the host immune system. Transmission routes include direct contact, airborne spread, vectors, water or food, and vertical transmission from parent to offspring. Once inside, pathogens may adhere to cells, penetrate barriers, and exploit host resources to multiply. The course of infection ranges from asymptomatic carriage to acute illness and chronic disease.

Pathogens that can infect include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Some infections remain localized; others disseminate systemically. The clinical outcome depends on pathogen characteristics, site of infection, and host factors such as immunity, age, and comorbidities.

Distinctions: infection describes the presence and growth of a pathogen; disease refers to the resulting signs and symptoms. Not all infections cause disease, and some pathogens can be cleared without significant illness. Diagnosis often relies on observing clinical symptoms and laboratory tests such as cultures, molecular assays, or serology.

Prevention and control include vaccination, hand hygiene, safe food and water practices, vector control, and antimicrobial therapies when appropriate. Responsible antimicrobial use reduces the risk of resistance and collateral damage to the microbiome.