NACA Animal Control Officers Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term that describes the invasion of body tissue by pathogenic organisms is "infection." An infection occurs when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enter the body, multiply, and begin to cause harm to tissues. This process often leads to an immune response, which may present as symptoms such as inflammation, fever, and pain. Understanding infections is crucial in contexts like animal control, as it helps in identifying and managing diseases that can affect both animals and humans.

Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances in an area or on a surface, but it does not necessarily imply that these substances are invading body tissue. Contagious diseases involve pathogens that can be transmitted from one individual to another, emphasizing transmission rather than the invasion of tissue. Infestation typically refers to the presence of parasites (like worms or lice) in or on the body, but it is distinct from infection and generally denotes a non-pathogenic relationship until the infestation leads to disease. Thus, "infection" accurately captures the essence of the scenario described in the question.