What does autoinoculation refer to?

Autoinoculation is the process in which a microorganism is spread by direct contact with a lesion or infected area on one’s own body. This can occur when an individual inadvertently transfers pathogens from one part of their body to another, often through scratching, touching, or manipulating a site of infection. For instance, if a person has a viral infection on their skin and touches that area, then touches another part of their body such as their face, they may introduce the pathogen to that new site, potentially spreading the infection.

This phenomenon emphasizes how easily infections can be propagated without external contact, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene practices to prevent self-inoculation of pathogens during illness.