Superinfection (Noun)
Meaning
Infection that occurs while you are being treated for another infection.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- A superinfection occurs when bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics cause an infection while you are being treated for another infection.
- The doctor was concerned that the patient's current infection might lead to a superinfection, which could be even more difficult to treat.
- Prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics increases the risk of a superinfection with bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.
- In severe cases of antibiotic resistance, a superinfection can develop and spread rapidly throughout the body.
- People with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing a superinfection, particularly when they are already being treated for an infection.