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= Opportunistic Infection =
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Opportunistic infection
| image                  = [[File:Chest_X-ray_in_influenza_and_Haemophilus_influenzae_-_annotated.jpg]]
| caption                = Chest X-ray showing [[pneumonia]] due to [[influenza]] and ''[[Haemophilus influenzae]]''
| field                  = [[Infectious disease]]
| symptoms                = Varies depending on the infection; may include [[fever]], [[cough]], [[fatigue]], [[diarrhea]], etc.
| complications          = Can lead to severe illness or death, especially in [[immunocompromised]] individuals
| onset                  = When the [[immune system]] is weakened
| duration                = Varies depending on the infection and treatment
| causes                  = [[Opportunistic pathogens]] exploiting weakened [[immune system]]
| risks                  = [[HIV/AIDS]], [[cancer]], [[organ transplant]], [[immunosuppressive therapy]]
| diagnosis              = Based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests
| differential            = Other infections, [[autoimmune diseases]]
| prevention              = [[Antiretroviral therapy]], [[vaccination]], [[prophylactic antibiotics]]
| treatment              = Depends on the specific infection; may include [[antibiotics]], [[antivirals]], [[antifungals]]
| prognosis              = Varies; better with early detection and treatment
| frequency              = Common in [[immunocompromised]] individuals
}}
{{Short description|Infections caused by pathogens that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available}}
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
'''Opportunistic Infections''' are infections caused by organisms that are typically harmless in healthy individuals but can cause serious illnesses in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are a major concern in patients with conditions like AIDS or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
An '''opportunistic infection''' is an infection caused by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa, that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available. These opportunities can arise due to a weakened immune system, an altered microbiome, or breaches in the body's normal barriers to infection. Opportunistic infections are particularly common in individuals with [[immunodeficiency]], such as those with [[HIV/AIDS]], [[cancer]], or those undergoing [[immunosuppressive therapy]].
 
==Causes==
<youtube>
Opportunistic infections occur when the immune system is compromised or when the normal flora of the body is disrupted. Common causes include:
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''  
* '''Immunosuppression''': Conditions like [[HIV/AIDS]], [[chemotherapy]], and [[organ transplantation]] can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens.
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/xSMvcmlIfX8
* '''Antibiotic use''': Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the normal [[microbiota]], allowing opportunistic pathogens to proliferate.
&rel=1
* '''Chronic diseases''': Conditions such as [[diabetes mellitus]] and [[chronic kidney disease]] can impair immune function.
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/xSMvcmlIfX8
* '''Malnutrition''': Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
&rel=1
==Common Opportunistic Pathogens==
wrap = yes
===Bacterial===
width=750
* ''[[Mycobacterium avium complex]]'' (MAC) - often affects individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS.
height=600
* ''[[Clostridioides difficile]]'' - can cause severe diarrhea and colitis, especially after antibiotic use.
</youtube>
===Viral===
 
* [[Cytomegalovirus]] (CMV) - can cause retinitis, colitis, and other systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
== Definition and Characteristics ==
* [[Herpes simplex virus]] (HSV) - can cause severe infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Opportunistic infections occur when the body's immune defenses are compromised, allowing otherwise non-pathogenic organisms to cause illness. These infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
===Fungal===
 
* ''[[Candida albicans]]'' - can cause oral thrush and systemic infections.
== Common Causes ==
* ''[[Pneumocystis jirovecii]]'' - causes [[Pneumocystis pneumonia]] (PCP), a common infection in people with HIV/AIDS.
Some common opportunistic infections include:
===Protozoal===
* [[Pneumocystis pneumonia]] (PCP), often seen in AIDS patients
* ''[[Toxoplasma gondii]]'' - can cause [[toxoplasmosis]], particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
* [[Candidiasis]], a fungal infection common in immunocompromised individuals
==Diagnosis==
* [[Cytomegalovirus]] (CMV) infection, particularly in transplant recipients
Diagnosing opportunistic infections involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic methods include:
 
* '''Blood tests''': To detect specific antibodies or antigens.
== Risk Factors ==
* '''Cultures''': To identify bacterial or fungal pathogens.
The primary risk factor for opportunistic infections is a weakened immune system, which can be due to:
* '''Imaging''': Such as [[X-rays]] or [[CT scans]] to identify infections in organs like the lungs.
* '''Biopsy''': In some cases, a tissue sample may be needed to identify the pathogen.
==Treatment==
Treatment of opportunistic infections depends on the specific pathogen and the severity of the infection. Common treatments include:
* '''Antibiotics''': For bacterial infections.
* '''Antiviral drugs''': For viral infections, such as [[acyclovir]] for HSV.
* '''Antifungal medications''': Such as [[fluconazole]] for fungal infections.
* '''Antiprotozoal agents''': For protozoal infections like [[sulfadiazine]] for toxoplasmosis.
==Prevention==
Preventing opportunistic infections involves:
* '''Prophylactic medications''': Such as [[trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]] for PCP in HIV patients.
* '''Vaccinations''': To prevent infections like [[influenza]] and [[pneumococcal disease]].
* '''Good hygiene practices''': Including handwashing and safe food handling.
* '''Regular medical check-ups''': To monitor immune function and detect infections early.
==See also==
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
* [[Antibiotic resistance]]
* Immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplantation
* [[Microbiome]]
* Chronic diseases or conditions that impair the immune system
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
 
== Diagnosis and Treatment ==
Diagnosis often involves identifying the causative organism through cultures, blood tests, or imaging studies. Treatment depends on the specific infection and may include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics.
 
== Prevention and Management ==
Preventive measures include avoiding exposure to known pathogens, prophylactic medications, and maintaining a healthy immune system through proper treatment of underlying conditions.
 
== Impact on Public Health ==
Opportunistic infections pose significant challenges in public health, especially in populations with high rates of HIV/AIDS or in regions with limited access to healthcare.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
* [[Infectious Diseases]]
* [[HIV/AIDS Treatment]]
 
== References ==
<references/>
1. [Link to a medical journal article on Opportunistic Infections]
2. [Link to a healthcare website discussing prevention and management]
 
== External Links ==
* [https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/opportunisticinfections.html CDC - Opportunistic Infections and HIV]
* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids WHO - HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet]
 
[[Category:Infectious Diseases]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Public Health]]
{{stub}}
== Opportunistic_infection ==
<gallery>
File:Chest_X-ray_in_influenza_and_Haemophilus_influenzae_-_annotated.jpg|Chest X-ray showing influenza and Haemophilus influenzae infection
File:Mycobacterium_tuberculosis:_Humanity's_deadly_microbial_foe.jpg|Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Humanity's deadly microbial foe
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 22:18, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Opportunistic infection
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Varies depending on the infection; may include fever, cough, fatigue, diarrhea, etc.
Complications Can lead to severe illness or death, especially in immunocompromised individuals
Onset When the immune system is weakened
Duration Varies depending on the infection and treatment
Types N/A
Causes Opportunistic pathogens exploiting weakened immune system
Risks HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy
Diagnosis Based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests
Differential diagnosis Other infections, autoimmune diseases
Prevention Antiretroviral therapy, vaccination, prophylactic antibiotics
Treatment Depends on the specific infection; may include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; better with early detection and treatment
Frequency Common in immunocompromised individuals
Deaths N/A


Infections caused by pathogens that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available


Introduction[edit]

An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa, that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available. These opportunities can arise due to a weakened immune system, an altered microbiome, or breaches in the body's normal barriers to infection. Opportunistic infections are particularly common in individuals with immunodeficiency, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Causes[edit]

Opportunistic infections occur when the immune system is compromised or when the normal flora of the body is disrupted. Common causes include:

  • Immunosuppression: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, and organ transplantation can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens.
  • Antibiotic use: Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the normal microbiota, allowing opportunistic pathogens to proliferate.
  • Chronic diseases: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease can impair immune function.
  • Malnutrition: Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Common Opportunistic Pathogens[edit]

Bacterial[edit]

Viral[edit]

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - can cause retinitis, colitis, and other systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) - can cause severe infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Fungal[edit]

Protozoal[edit]

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosing opportunistic infections involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic methods include:

  • Blood tests: To detect specific antibodies or antigens.
  • Cultures: To identify bacterial or fungal pathogens.
  • Imaging: Such as X-rays or CT scans to identify infections in organs like the lungs.
  • Biopsy: In some cases, a tissue sample may be needed to identify the pathogen.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of opportunistic infections depends on the specific pathogen and the severity of the infection. Common treatments include:

  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
  • Antiviral drugs: For viral infections, such as acyclovir for HSV.
  • Antifungal medications: Such as fluconazole for fungal infections.
  • Antiprotozoal agents: For protozoal infections like sulfadiazine for toxoplasmosis.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing opportunistic infections involves:

  • Prophylactic medications: Such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for PCP in HIV patients.
  • Vaccinations: To prevent infections like influenza and pneumococcal disease.
  • Good hygiene practices: Including handwashing and safe food handling.
  • Regular medical check-ups: To monitor immune function and detect infections early.

See also[edit]

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