Coinfection

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Coinfection

Coinfection (pronunciation: /koʊɪnˈfɛkʃən/) refers to the simultaneous infection of a host organism by multiple pathogen species. In medical terminology, it is often used to describe a situation where two or more infectious agents are present in the same host.

Etymology

The term "coinfection" is derived from the Latin prefix co- meaning "together", and infectio meaning "infection". It was first used in medical literature in the late 20th century to describe the occurrence of multiple infections in a single host.

Related Terms

  • Superinfection: A superinfection is a second infection superimposed on an earlier one, especially by a different microbial species.
  • Polyparasitism: Polyparasitism is the simultaneous infection of a host by multiple parasite species.
  • Comorbidity: Comorbidity is the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition.
  • Pathogen: A pathogen is a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

Clinical Significance

Coinfections can complicate the clinical picture of a disease and may exacerbate the severity of the illness. They can also interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of the primary infection. Coinfections are common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, and can lead to serious health complications.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of coinfections involves general measures to prevent infections, such as good hygiene practices, vaccination, and use of prophylactic antibiotics in some cases. Treatment of coinfections often involves managing each infection separately, but in some cases, treatment may need to be coordinated to avoid drug interactions or other complications.

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