What is the Difference Between Coinfection and Superinfection?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Coinfection and superinfection are two distinct patterns of infection that can occur in the context of viral diseases. The main differences between them are:
- Coinfection: This occurs when a person becomes infected with two different viruses simultaneously. In the case of hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), coinfection happens when a person is infected with both HBV and HDV at the same time. Coinfection generally leads to the eradication of both agents, with less than 5% of coinfected people developing chronic infections.
- Superinfection: This occurs when a person who is already chronically infected with one virus becomes infected with a second, different strain of the same virus or another virus. In the context of HDV and HBV, superinfection happens when a person who is already chronically infected with HBV acquires HDV. Superinfection can lead to rapid progression of the already present HBV infection, resulting in liver cirrhosis and liver failure within 5–10 years in 70%–80% and within 1–2 years in 15% of people with chronic HBV infection.
In summary, coinfection refers to the simultaneous infection with two different viruses, while superinfection refers to the subsequent infection with a second strain of the same virus or another virus in a person who is already chronically infected. These terms are distinct clinical entities, and their outcomes can differ significantly.
Comparative Table: Coinfection vs Superinfection
Coinfection and superinfection are two different patterns of infection that can occur in individuals. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
| Coinfection | Superinfection |
|---|---|
| Occurs simultaneously with the spread of the microorganism | Develops after the initial infection |
| In some cases, the outcome is usually recovery with viral eradication (<5% chronicity) | The majority of patients evolve to chronic infection (80% progress to chronicity) |
| In the case of hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection, both HDV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections usually result in recovery and eradication of the viruses | In HDV superinfection, the outcome is usually persistent infection, with 80% of cases progressing to chronicity |
In summary, coinfection occurs when an individual is infected with multiple pathogens simultaneously, while superinfection occurs when an individual is infected with a new pathogen while already being infected with another pathogen. The outcomes of these infections can vary depending on the specific pathogens involved.
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- Infection vs Disease
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- Inflammation vs Infection
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- Nosocomial vs Community Acquired Infection
- Candidiasis vs Gonorrhea
- Yeast Infection vs Bacterial Infection
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- Viral vs Bacterial Infection
- UTI vs Yeast Infection
- Coccidioides vs Coccidioidomycosis
- Chlamydia vs Yeast Infection
- Contagious Disease vs Infectious Disease
- Sinus Infection vs Cold
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