SECONDARY INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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A secondary infection is a medical term that refers to an additional infection that occurs in a person who is already suffering from a primary infection, which weakens their immune system and creates favorable conditions for other pathogens to invade their body. This secondary infection is distinct from the original infection or primary infection, which initiated the initial symptoms and compromised the individual's health.
When an individual contracts a primary infection, their immune system immediately begins fighting against the invading pathogen. However, some pathogens or microorganisms may take advantage of the weakened immune response during this time and successfully infiltrate the body, leading to a secondary infection. These secondary infections can be caused by different pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Secondary infections can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the pathogen involved. Common examples may include post-influenza bacterial infections, where the flu weakens the immune system and allows bacteria to flourish in the respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia. Another example could be a secondary bacterial infection occurring in a person with a primary viral respiratory infection, such as a cold or influenza. Other common occurrences of secondary infections can be seen in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Prompt identification and treatment of secondary infections are essential to prevent further progression or complications. Medical professionals treat secondary infections by employing targeted interventions, such as prescribing antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungals, depending on the nature of the pathogen involved.
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An i., usually septic, occurring in a person or animal already suffering from an i. of another nature.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SECONDARY INFECTION
- aecondary infection
- zecondary infection
- xecondary infection
- decondary infection
- eecondary infection
- wecondary infection
- swcondary infection
- sscondary infection
- sdcondary infection
- srcondary infection
- s4condary infection
- s3condary infection
- sexondary infection
- sevondary infection
- sefondary infection
- sedondary infection
- secindary infection
- seckndary infection
- seclndary infection
- secpndary infection
Etymology of SECONDARY INFECTION
The word "secondary infection" is composed of two parts: "secondary" and "infection".
1. Secondary:
The term "secondary" originated from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "second". It is derived from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "following" or "next". Over time, "secondary" has come to represent something that is subsequent, subordinate, or less important than the primary element.
2. Infection:
The term "infection" comes from the Latin word "infectio", which means "a disease or contamination caused by a harmful agent". It is derived from the Latin verb "inficere", meaning "to stain" or "to taint". In modern usage, "infection" typically refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, in the body.
