Infection vs. Infestation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
An infection is the invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms, while an infestation involves pests or parasites colonizing on or within a host.
Difference Between Infection and Infestation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Infection is a condition wherein the body is invaded by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. On the other hand, infestation is primarily about pests or parasites, like insects or worms, colonizing on or within a host.
When discussing infection, the focus is on harmful microorganisms that reproduce and spread within the body, potentially causing illness. In contrast, an infestation emphasizes the presence of unwanted organisms in large numbers, which might or might not lead to diseases.
It's common to use antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat infections. For infestations, treatments could be topical or oral medications, or environmental controls to eliminate or reduce the pests.
Symptoms of an infection often involve fever, inflammation, and other systemic responses. In the case of infestations, symptoms might include itching, rashes, or visible evidence of the pests.
While both infections and infestations can affect humans, plants, and animals, infections are generally caused by microscopic agents, whereas infestations often involve macroscopic pests.
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Comparison Chart
Causing Agents
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
Pests or parasites (insects, worms).
Nature
Invasion and reproduction of harmful agents within the body.
Presence of pests in large numbers on or within a host.
Treatment
Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals.
Topical or oral medications, environmental controls.
Symptoms
Fever, inflammation, systemic responses.
Itching, rashes, visible pests.
Scale of Organisms Involved
Typically microscopic.
Typically macroscopic.
Compare with Definitions
Infection
Disease state: A condition resulting from the presence of pathogens.
The doctor diagnosed her with a respiratory infection.
Infestation
Colonization by parasites: When parasites take residence on or within a host.
The dog suffered from a flea infestation.
Infection
Disease-causing process: A condition where the body's defense is overcome by harmful agents.
The infection caused her to be bedridden for a week.
Infestation
Presence of pests: The dwelling of unwanted organisms in large numbers.
The kitchen had an infestation of ants.
Infection
An infection is the invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agents and the toxins they produce. An infectious disease, also known as a transmissible disease or communicable disease, is an illness resulting from an infection.
Infestation
Overrun with organisms: A situation where pests or parasites dominate.
The old barn had an infestation of rats.
Infection
The invasion of bodily tissue by pathogenic microorganisms that proliferate, resulting in tissue injury that can progress to disease
Measures taken by the hospital to prevent infection.
Infestation
Macroscopic colonization: Large, visible organisms taking over a space or host.
She was horrified to find an infestation of bedbugs in her hotel room.
Infection
The entry or placement, as by injection, of a microorganism or infectious agent into a cell or tissue.
Infestation
Infestation is the state of being invaded or overrun by pests or parasites. It can also refer to the actual organisms living on or within a host.
Infection
An instance of being infected
Developed an infection in my toe.
Infestation
To inhabit or overrun in numbers or quantities large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious
Rats infesting the sewers.
Streets that were infested with drugs.
Infection
An agent or a contaminated substance responsible for one's becoming infected
An infection spread by contaminated water.
Infestation
To live as a parasite in or on
Livestock that were infested with tapeworms.
Infection
The pathological state resulting from having been infected
A drug to control infection.
Infestation
The presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil.
Infection
An infectious disease
Crowded conditions gave rise to several serious infections.
Infestation
The act of infesting or state of being infested; molestation; vexation; annoyance.
Free from the infestation of enemies.
Infection
An instance of a virus or similar software program infecting a computer.
Infestation
The state of being invaded or overrun by parasites
Infection
The communication of a usually undesirable idea, emotion, or attitude by contact with other people or by example.
Infestation
A swarm of insects that attack plants;
A plague of grasshoppers
Infection
(pathology) The act or process of infecting.
Infestation
Environmental nuisance: A widespread occurrence of pests in a given area.
The town faced a locust infestation.
Infection
An uncontrolled growth of harmful microorganisms in a host.
Infection
A disease caused by a pathogen.
Infection
A visible sign of such a disease, such as the suppuration of a wound.
Infection
The act or process of infecting.
There was a strict order against coming to those pits, and that was only to prevent infection.
Infection
That which infects, or causes the communicated disease; any effluvium, miasm, or pestilential matter by which an infectious disease is caused.
And that which was still worse, they that did thus break out spread the infection further by their wandering about with the distemper upon them.
Infection
The state of being infected; the condition of suffering from an infectious disease; contamination by morbific particles; the result of infecting influence; a prevailing disease; epidemic.
The danger was really very great, the infection being so very violent in London.
Infection
That which taints or corrupts morally; as, the infection of vicious principles.
It was her chance to lightAmidst the gross infections of those times.
Infection
Contamination by illegality, as in cases of contraband goods; implication.
Infection
Sympathetic communication of like qualities or emotions; influence.
Through all her train the soft infection ran.
Mankind are gay or serious by infection.
Infection
A localized area of tissue which is inflamed by growth of microorganisms; as, he has an infection in his finger.
Infection
The pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
Infection
(phonetics) the alteration of a speech sound under the influence of a neighboring sound
Infection
(medicine) the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms and their multiplication which can lead to tissue damage and disease
Infection
An incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted
Infection
The communication of an attitude or emotional state among a number of people;
A contagion of mirth
The infection of his enthusiasm for poetry
Infection
Moral corruption or contamination;
Ambitious men are led astray by an infection that is almost unavoidable
Infection
(international law) illegality that taints or contaminates a ship or cargo rendering it liable to seizure
Infection
Invasion by microorganisms: The entry and multiplication of pathogens in the body.
The cut on his leg led to a bacterial infection.
Infection
Cellular contamination: Presence of unwanted microorganisms in cells or tissues.
The lab sample showed signs of infection.
Infection
Systemic response: The body's reaction to harmful microbial invasion.
The infection triggered a high fever and chills.
Common Curiosities
Can an infection lead to an infestation?
Rarely. Infections are caused by microorganisms, while infestations are due to pests or parasites.
Can plants get infections and infestations?
Yes. Plants can suffer from bacterial or fungal infections and can also be infested by pests like aphids.
Can a person have both an infection and an infestation at the same time?
Yes, for example, a wound could become infected, and also be infested with maggots.
Which is easier to treat, infections or infestations?
It depends on the severity and cause. Some infections are resistant to treatment, while some infestations can be challenging to eradicate.
Are infections always visible?
No, infections can be internal and may not show visible signs, unlike some infestations which often are visible.
Are all infections harmful?
No, some infections may not cause symptoms or may be beneficial, like certain gut bacteria.
Is itching always a sign of infestation?
No, itching can be a symptom of various conditions, not just infestations.
Can infections spread between people?
Yes, many infections, especially viral and bacterial, can be contagious.
Can infestations lead to infections?
Yes, some infestations, like flea bites, can become infected if not properly cared for.
How do you treat infections and infestations?
Infections often require medications like antibiotics, while infestations might need topical treatments or environmental controls.
How can infestations be prevented?
Regular cleaning, using repellents, and maintaining a clean environment can help prevent infestations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
