Here's a breakdown:

* Autogenous means "originating within the organism" or "self-generated."

* Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body, often leading to tissue damage and disease.

So, an autogenous infection occurs when microorganisms that normally reside in the body, often in a harmless or even beneficial way, become pathogenic (disease-causing) and cause infection.

Examples of autogenous infections:

* Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bacteria from the gut can migrate to the urethra and bladder, causing infection.

* Pneumonia: Aspiration of oral bacteria can lead to pneumonia in individuals with weakened immune systems.

* Wound infection: Bacteria on the skin can enter a wound and cause infection.

It's important to distinguish autogenous infections from cross-infections, which occur when microorganisms are transmitted from one person to another.