süperenfeksiyon

Superinfection refers to an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It arises when the initial treatment, often with antibiotics, kills off the normal, beneficial bacteria that help keep harmful microorganisms in check. This disruption creates an opportunity for other pathogens, which are resistant to the treatment or were not present in significant numbers initially, to proliferate and cause a new, distinct infection.

Common examples of superinfections include yeast infections, such as vaginal candidiasis, which can develop after a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is another serious superinfection that can occur when antibiotic use decimates gut flora, allowing C. difficile to overgrow and produce toxins that damage the colon.

The risk of superinfection is higher with broad-spectrum antibiotics, which affect a wider range of bacteria, and with prolonged antibiotic courses. Symptoms vary depending on the type of superinfection but can include unusual discharge, itching, pain, fever, or diarrhea. Treatment typically involves addressing the new pathogen, often with antifungal or specific antibacterial medications, and sometimes discontinuing the initial antibiotic if possible. Prevention strategies include judicious antibiotic use and maintaining a healthy microbiome.