What term describes the body's ability to destroy and resist infection?

The term that describes the body's ability to destroy and resist infection is immunity. This encompasses the complex biological processes that protect the body from pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. Immunity can be classified into different types, including innate immunity, which is the natural defense present from birth, and adaptive immunity, which develops as a response to exposure to specific pathogens over time.

Understanding immunity is vital in barbering and personal care industries, as it highlights the significance of maintaining a hygienic environment and the role of the body's defense mechanisms in preventing infections. This knowledge helps professionals implement effective infection control practices to protect both themselves and their clients from potential health risks.

The other terms relate to different concepts, such as infection, which refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body; pathogenic, which describes the capability of an organism to cause disease; and infectiousness, which refers to the ability of a disease to be transmitted from one individual to another.