noun
- simultaneous infections of an organism by two or more different pathogens or disease agents
Usage: medical/scientific term; plural form; singular is coinfection; commonly used in virology, parasitology, and infectious disease research
Examples
- Patients with HIV are at higher risk for coinfections with tuberculosis and other opportunistic pathogens.
- The study examined coinfections of malaria and dengue fever in tropical regions.
- Coinfections can complicate treatment because multiple antibiotics or antivirals may be needed.
- Researchers discovered that coinfections with two viral strains led to more severe disease outcomes.
- The prevalence of coinfections in immunocompromised individuals has increased significantly.
- Screening for coinfections is essential before starting antiretroviral therapy.