Significance of Opportunistic infection
Opportunistic infections are diseases that occur more frequently and with increased severity in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with HIV. These infections exploit vulnerabilities in the immune system, leading to serious health complications. Individuals living with conditions like AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are particularly at risk. Examples include infections from pathogens that typically do not affect healthy individuals. The study emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and early identification for effective treatment.
Synonyms: Opportunistic pathogen, Secondary infection, Opportunistic disease
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Opportunistic infection in scientific sources
Opportunistic infections are more prevalent and severe in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as diabetic patients, necessitating diligent monitoring to manage their health effectively.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) These infections are what an individual can become more susceptible to when the prolonged use of antibiotics destroys the body's normal flora.[1] (2) This is an infection, like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, that takes advantage of a weakened immune system, which may occur in patients treated with natalizumab.[2] (3) These are infections that can be considered a predisposing factor for opportunistic infections, though early isolation and identification of the microorganism are crucial to treatment.[3] (4) This is an infection that takes advantage of a weakened immune system, and tuberculosis is the most common life-threatening example in HIV patients.[4] (5) Opportunistic infections are infections caused by microorganisms that typically do not cause illness in healthy individuals, but can cause infection in immunocompromised people, and the study discussed the possibility of Bacillus spp. causing them.[5]