👉 Interinfection, also known as cross-infection or superinfection, occurs when a secondary pathogen infects a host already infected by another pathogen. This can happen through various mechanisms, such as competition for resources, alteration of the host's environment, or immune system modulation. For example, a bacterial infection might damage the mucosal barriers, allowing a viral pathogen to enter more easily. Alternatively, the immune response to one infection can sometimes enhance the susceptibility to another, either by depleting immune cells or by creating a favorable environment for the new pathogen. Interinfection is a significant concern in healthcare settings, where it can lead to more severe and difficult-to-treat infections, underscoring the importance of stringent infection control measures.
