What term describes the invasion of the human body by pathogenic microorganisms that reproduce and multiply, causing disease?

The term that accurately describes the invasion of the human body by pathogenic microorganisms, which then reproduce and multiply, causing disease, is infection.

Infections occur when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enter the body, evade the immune system, and establish themselves, resulting in disease. This can lead to a variety of symptoms and health complications depending on the type of pathogen and the individual’s immune response.

Contamination refers to the presence of unwanted substances or microorganisms on surfaces or in the environment but does not necessarily imply that the organisms are actively causing disease. Infestation typically refers to an invasion of parasites, particularly in the context of larger organisms, such as worms or insects, rather than microorganisms. Inflammation is a physiological response to injury or infection, representing the body's attempt to eliminate pathogens and begin healing, but it does not specifically denote the presence of multiplying pathogenic organisms.