secondary infection

[ sek-uhn-der-ee in-fek-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of secondary infection¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

They are not known to transmit disease, but they can cause itching, and when bites are scratched secondary infections can occur.

From Washington Post

Furuncular or abscess-like formations may develop, usually from secondary infection.

From Project Gutenberg

Secondary infection of the parotid gland frequently occurs, and gives rise to a suppurative parotitis.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the chances of secondary infection from the bites of some of the more powerful species are not to be ignored.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, there may be more opportunity for secondary infection than is usual in the case of insect wounds.

From Project Gutenberg

The scratching which is induced may cause a secondary infection and thus lead to serious results.

From Project Gutenberg