Opportunistic infections

Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections (pronunciation: /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪstɪk ɪnˈfɛkʃənz/) are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, including those affected by HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy.

Etymology

The term "opportunistic" refers to the pathogens' tendency to seize the opportunity to cause disease in a host with a compromised immune system. The term "infection" comes from the Latin infectio, meaning "to stain or dye".

Related Terms

Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Immunodeficiency: A state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent.
HIV/AIDS: A disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs as part of a standardized chemotherapy regimen.

Types of Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Some common opportunistic infections include:

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of opportunistic infections primarily involves maintaining a healthy immune system, which can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding exposure to pathogens. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, depending on the type of pathogen causing the infection.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Opportunistic infections
Wikipedia's article - Opportunistic infections

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Opportunistic infections