Definition

A type of infection that occurs when pathogens, like bacteria or parasites, that are already present in the body cause a new infection or reinfection.

Example

The patient experienced autoinfection due to the presence of dormant parasites in his system.

Conversation

I read an article about autoinfection and how it can happen without you even knowing.

Really? That sounds kind of scary!

Yeah, it mentioned how some parasites can just keep reinfecting you.

Wow, I had no idea it could be that tricky to deal with.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autoinfection is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "infection" (from Latin "infectio", meaning to taint or contaminate). The word describes a process where an infection is caused by the organism's own pathogens.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') causing an 'infection' — that's why autoinfection means an infection caused by one's own germs.

Visually Confused Words