What term describes the invasion of the body by pathogenic bacteria?

The term that describes the invasion of the body by pathogenic bacteria is "Infection." When bacteria enter the body and begin to multiply, they can disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to various symptoms. This invasion can occur through different means, such as breaks in the skin, inhalation, or ingestion.

Infections can lead to an immune response, causing the body to react with inflammation, which is a different concept entirely. Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection but does not specifically denote the presence of pathogens.

Allergy refers to an abnormal immune response to a harmless substance, distinguishing it from infections caused by harmful bacteria. Contamination indicates the presence of unwanted substances or organisms in an area but does not necessarily imply an active infection. Therefore, the notion of infection precisely encapsulates the invasion and subsequent effects of pathogenic bacteria on the body.