autoinfection

[ aw-toh-in-fek-shuhn ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. reinfection by a pathogen that is already in the body.
2. infection caused by transfer of a pathogen from one part of the body to another.

autoinfection

/ ˌɔːtəʊɪnˈfɛkʃən /

noun

1. infection by a pathogenic agent already within the body or infection transferred from one part of the body to another

Word History and Origins

Origin of autoinfection¹

First recorded in 1900–05; auto- ¹ + infection

Example Sentences

Someone with a tapeworm can infect themselves with tapeworm eggs - a process known as autoinfection - which can pass out of the body as waste and infect others in the same home.

From BBC

Recording the case in the American Journal of Case Reports, doctors wrote that it "can only be speculated" the man's cysticercosis was transmitted through autoinfection after "improper handwashing".

From BBC

They say the case highlights the risk of "undercooked pork consumption" and subsequent autoinfection.

From BBC