autoinfection

noun

au·​to·​in·​fec·​tion ˌȯ-tō-in-ˈfek-shən 

: reinfection with larvae produced by parasitic worms already in the body

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French auto-infection, from auto- auto- + infection infection

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

autoinfection

noun

au·​to·​in·​fec·​tion -in-ˈfek-shən 

: reinfection with larvae produced by parasitic worms already in the body compare hyperinfection