Additionally, it is important for nurses to understand the underlying functions and mechanisms of the human immune system, so they may better care for patients with infections The first step in the immune response is the body’s recognition of an antigen.

Infection results when a pathogen is able to evade the immune response The immune response usually begins with the physical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the body, destroy them after they enter, or flush them out before they can establish themselves as an infection.

infectious disease — caused by pathogenic microorganisms—agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi—that enter a human host, multiply, and cause infection that can spread via direct or…. antigen — molecule on the cell surface of a pathogen that is recognized as an invader by the immune system. immune system — complex collection of cells and organs that destroy or neutralize pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. pathogen — agent such as a bacterium, virus, parasite, or fungus that enters a human host, multiplies, and causes infection.