How Do You Spell REINFECTION?

Pronunciation: [ɹˌiːɪnfˈɛkʃən] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "reinfection" is "ˌriːɪnˈfekʃən." The word consists of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "repeat," and "infection," which refers to the process of being infected with a disease. The "ei" in "reinfection" makes the long "ee" sound, while the "g" is replaced with "gh" in the transcription to represent the "sh" sound. This word describes the process of getting infected with a disease again after having recovered from it once.

REINFECTION Meaning and Definition

1. Reinfection, a noun, refers to the process by which an individual who has previously recovered from a particular infectious disease becomes infected with the same disease-causing agent once again. It occurs when the immune system's protective response to a pathogen diminishes over time or is unable to completely eliminate the infectious agent from the body. As a result, the individual becomes susceptible to another infection with the same pathogen.

   Reinfection can occur due to various factors, such as the natural waning of immunity, mutations in the pathogen, or exposure to a different strain or variant of the original pathogen. It is particularly common in infectious diseases caused by microorganisms with high genetic variability, such as certain viruses and bacteria.

   The consequences of reinfection can vary depending on the specific disease and the individual's overall health. In some cases, reinfection may be mild or asymptomatic due to residual immunity from the previous infection. However, in other situations, reinfection can lead to a more severe illness, similar to or distinct from the initial infection. The severity of reinfection can also be influenced by factors such as the individual's age, underlying health conditions, and the level of protection provided by vaccines or previous treatments.

   Understanding reinfection is crucial for developing effective preventive measures, treatment approaches, and public health strategies to combat infectious diseases. Ongoing research and monitoring are necessary to determine the frequency, implications, and mechanisms of reinfection for various pathogens, as well as to inform the development of vaccines and other interventions.

2. A second infection by the same microorganism, after recovery from or during the course of a primary infection.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for REINFECTION

• theinfection
• enfection
• Reinnocation

Etymology of REINFECTION

The word "reinfection" follows a straightforward etymology. It is formed by combining the prefix "re-" with the noun "infection".

The prefix "re-", derived from Latin, is used to indicate repetition, return, or restoration. In the case of "reinfection", it signifies the repetition of an infection after a period of recovery or immunity.

The noun "infection" originates from the Latin word "infectio", which means "a staining or discoloration". In Late Latin and Old French, it specifically referred to the invasion or contagion of a disease. Over time, the term "infection" acquired its current meaning of the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms that cause illness or disease.

Therefore, "reinfection" refers to the occurrence of an infection recurring or happening again in an individual who had previously been infected and presumably recovered, or had developed immunity.

Plural form of REINFECTION is REINFECTIONS