Infection

The term infection is used when pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites) enter a host organism, multiply and consequently trigger symptoms and signs of disease, respectively. The resulting symptoms are termed infectious disease.

Infections are, for example, distinguished by

• the organ affected (wound, respiratory system, skin, urinary system),
• their origin (endogenous, exogenous),
• the transmission path (contact, smear, airborne infection)