superinfection

Superinfection occurs when an initial infection is treated, but a new, different infection develops on top of it, often caused by bacteria or fungi resistant to the current treatment. This can happen when antibiotics or other medications kill off the beneficial or sensitive microorganisms, allowing resistant or different pathogens to thrive. For example, after taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection, a person might develop a yeast infection or a secondary bacterial infection. Superinfections can complicate treatment and require additional or different medications to resolve.