Opportunistic
Opportunistic
Opportunistic (pronunciation: /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪstɪk/) is a term often used in the field of medicine to describe infections or diseases that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available, such as a host with a weakened immune system, an altered microbiota (such as a disrupted gut flora), or breached integumentary barriers.
Etymology
The term "opportunistic" comes from the Latin word "opportunus", which means "fit, convenient, or suitable". It was first used in the medical context in the late 19th century to describe infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems.
Related Terms
- Opportunistic infection: An infection caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa) that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available, such as a host with a weakened immune system, an altered microbiota, or breached integumentary barriers.
- Opportunistic pathogen: A microorganism which causes disease only in an abnormal or compromised host organism.
- Opportunistic microorganism: Microorganisms that alter their growth, behavior and virulence in response to microenvironments.
- Immunocompromised: A state in which the immune system is not functioning normally and is therefore unable to fight off infections and diseases.
- Microbiota: The microbe population living in our body. Our microbiota contains trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Opportunistic
- Wikipedia's article - Opportunistic
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