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Secondary infections

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Illustrations

Secondary infection
Secondary infection
Immune system structures
Immune system structures

Definition    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 1/11/2004

Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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