Condition
Secondary infections
David Cohen, M.D.Published 6 May 20051 min read
Key points
- A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection.
- It may result from the treatment itself or from alterations in the immune system.
- For example, a yeast infection that occurs after antibiotic treatment of a bacterial infection is a secondary infection.
- The development of bacterial pneumonia following a viral upper respiratory infection is another example.
Definition
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection. It may result from the treatment itself or from alterations in the immune system.
For example, a yeast infection that occurs after antibiotic treatment of a bacterial infection is a secondary infection. The development of bacterial pneumonia following a viral upper respiratory infection is another example.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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