MULTIINFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Multiinfection refers to the condition or state of being infected by multiple pathogens or microorganisms simultaneously. It is a term derived from the combination of "multi-" meaning many or multiple, and "infection" which denotes the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in an organism's body, leading to illness or disease.
In the context of medicine and microbiology, multiinfection typically refers to the simultaneous or concurrent infection by different species or strains of microorganisms within an individual. These microorganisms may include bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other parasites. The coexistence of multiple pathogens within a host can lead to complex interactions and potentially exacerbate the severity of the infection or its symptoms.
Multiinfection can occur in various ways. For instance, it may result from exposure to different sources of infection or transmission modes, such as direct contact, airborne droplets, contaminated food or water, vectors like mosquitoes or ticks, or other environmental factors. Additionally, underlying health conditions or a compromised immune system can increase the susceptibility of an individual to multiple infections.
Diagnosing multiinfection can be challenging, as it requires differentiating between the causative agents involved. Healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic methods including laboratory tests, imaging, and clinical evaluations to identify the different pathogens causing the infection.
Appropriate management and treatment of multiinfection depend on the specific pathogens involved, the severity of the infections, and the individual's overall health. This may involve a combination of antimicrobial medications, antiviral drugs, antifungal agents, or other targeted treatments aimed at eradicating each pathogen and alleviating symptoms.
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Mixed infection with two or more varieties of microorganisms developing simultaneously.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MULTIINFECTION
- nultiinfection
- kultiinfection
- jultiinfection
- myltiinfection
- mhltiinfection
- mjltiinfection
- miltiinfection
- m8ltiinfection
- m7ltiinfection
- muktiinfection
- muptiinfection
- muotiinfection
- mulriinfection
- mulfiinfection
- mulgiinfection
- mulyiinfection
- mul6iinfection
- mul5iinfection
- multuinfection
- multjinfection
Etymology of MULTIINFECTION
The term "multiinfection" is a compound word composed of two elements: "multi-" and "infection".
- "Multi-" is a combining form derived from the Latin word "multus" meaning "many" or "much". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate multiple or many.
- "Infection" originates from the Latin word "infectio" which means "contamination" or "contagion". It later became a noun in English, referring to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites in a host organism, leading to illness or disease.
Combining these two elements, "multiinfection" refers to a condition or situation where an organism is affected by multiple infections simultaneously or successively.
