Superinfection

Infectious process in which a second infection develops additionally. The term is used in different ways: In virology, superinfection is a second infection triggered by a very similar pathogen. Example: To acquire a hepatitis D infection one needs to be infected with hepatitis B before – only then hepatitis D is capable of surviving and reproducing in the body. Additionally, superinfection often refers to viruses affecting one organ which is then affected by bacteria as well, e.g. not completely cured bronchitis. In medicine, this process is also termed Secondary infection.