What is the Difference Between Colonization and Infection

The main difference between colonization and infection is that colonization is the spread of a species to a new area, whereas infection is the invasion of germs in the body, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites. 

Colonization and infection are two processes of microorganisms that occur during their growth and development. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Colonization
– Facts, Features, Behaviour
2. What is Infection
– Facts, Features, Behaviour
3. Similarities Between Colonization and Infection
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Colonization and Infection
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Colonization, Infection

What is Colonization

Colonization is the spreading of microorganisms in a new area. It involves the integration of microorganisms into a new ecological community. However, it is a type of successful immigration of microorganisms. Microorganisms can achieve longevity through colonization. Also, colonization occurs on several scales. The formation of biofilms is the basic form of colonization. In a biofilm, cells stick to each other and to a surface. Microorganism produces a slimy extracellular matrix that contains polymeric substances. They include extracellular proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and DNA. Biofilms form 3-dimensional structures, and it is a community lifestyle of microorganisms.

Figure 1: Colonization

Moreover, nodules are another example of colonization. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria colonize the root hairs of legumes and other flowering plants. Importantly, they convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. Also, nitrogenase is the enzyme that involves in the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. Further, the formation of ammonia is provided to plants as a nutrient. Plants provide organic compounds to the bacterium. Therefore, root nodules are a symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and plants. Also, it is a mutual relationship.

What is Infection

Infection refers to the invasion of microorganisms that causes a disease in the host. The microorganisms that cause diseases are called infectious agents. These microorganisms can be protozoans, fungi, bacteria, or viruses. The microorganisms enter the host’s tissues and multiply, arresting the normal physiology of the cells during infection. As they cause diseases in the host, the infectious agents are also called pathogens.

Figure 2: Malaria Infection

Furthermore, an infection can be either mild or severe, life-threatening. The transmission of the infection can occur through body fluids, skin contact, contact with feces, or airborne particles. The spread of the infection depends on the type of infectious agent. The host’s immune system serves as a protective barrier to the microorganism’s invasion, multiplication, and reproduction.

Similarities Between Colonization and Infection

• Colonization and infection are two processes of microorganisms.
• They invade host bodies to either colonize or infect the host.
• They are important to fulfill the energy and nutritional requirements of the microorganisms. 

Difference Between Colonization and Infection

Definition

Colonization refers to the process of spreading microorganisms in a host organism, while infection refers to the invasion and growth of microorganisms in the body, causing diseases in the host.

Significance

Colonization is the spread of a species to a new area, while infection is the invasion of germs in the body, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites. 

Importance

Colonization occurs without harming the host, while infection harms the host.

Signs and Symptoms

Colonization does not produce signs and symptoms, while infection produces signs and symptoms.

Toxins

Colonization produces toxins, while infection does not produce toxins. 

Conclusion

In brief, colonization and infection are two processes that microorganisms undergo to fulfill their nutritional and energy requirements. Colonization is the spread of microorganisms to a new area. It does not harm the host organism. Therefore, the host organism does not produce signs and symptoms against the microorganism. Also, the microorganism does not produce toxins. In comparison, infection is the invasion and growth of microorganisms harming the host. Therefore, the host produces signs and symptoms against the microorganism. The microorganism also produces toxins against the host in an infection. Therefore, the main difference between colonization and infection is the type of spreading of microorganisms.

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023u, July 11). Colonization. Wikipedia. 
2. MediLexicon International. (n.d.-b). Infection: Types, causes, and differences. Medical News Today. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Biofilm-growth” By Asw-hamburg – Own work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Malaria” By Ute Frevert – Own Work (CC-BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia