secondary infection

American  

[sek-uhn-der-ee in-fek-shuhn] / ˈsɛk ənˌdɛr i ɪnˈfɛk ʃən /

noun

Medicine/Medical, Pathology.

1. an infection occurring in an area of the body that already has or has recently had an infection.

   After recovering from the flu, she developed a secondary infection in her lungs that is being treated with antibiotics.

2. an infection occurring in an area of the body following trauma or severe damage: The gunshot did not hit a vital organ, but he died from a secondary infection in the wound.

   His leg was so severely burned that it quickly developed secondary infections.

   The gunshot did not hit a vital organ, but he died from a secondary infection in the wound.

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Etymology

Origin of secondary infection

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Officials said it was possible that some visitors may have passed the virus on through secondary infection.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Markowski said scratching can cause secondary infection and prolong the irritation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

The leaking fluid triggers a cytokine storm and can cause a secondary infection.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

Researchers counted 7,511 student close contacts in schools that tried the strategy, and the secondary infection rate was 0.7%.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

In other cases these abscesses are supposed to arise from secondary infection.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various