Asked by: Jadiya Berchthold
medical health infectious diseases

What is meant by opportunistic disease?

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An opportunistic infection is 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 (such as a disrupted gut microbiota), or breached integumentary barriers.


Regarding this, what are opportunistic diseases?

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are infections that occur more often or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems than in people with healthy immune systems. HIV-related OIs include pneumonia, Salmonella infection, candidiasis (thrush), toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis (TB).

what are examples of opportunistic infections? Common opportunistic infections associated with HIV include:
  • cryptococcal meningitis.
  • toxoplasmosis.
  • PCP (a type of pneumonia)
  • oesophageal candidiasis.
  • certain cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma.

Also asked, what is meant by opportunistic infection?

Opportunistic infection: An infection that occurs because of a weakened immune system. The HIV virus itself does not cause death, but the opportunistic infections that occur because of its effect on the immune system can. See also opportunistic condition, opportunistic microorganism.

Can opportunistic infection be cured?

If you develop an OI, there are treatments available, such as antibiotics or antifungal drugs. You can learn more about treating OIs by referring to Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents .

Related Question Answers

Tonya Serrat

Professional

Is cancer an opportunistic infection?

The infections are called "opportunistic" because they take the opportunity to attack you when your immune system is weak. The cancers are called "AIDS related" because they appear mostly in people who have advanced, later-stage HIV infection, known as AIDS. Most people who die of AIDS do not die from the virus itself.

Hmidou Dierck

Professional

What is the main feature of an opportunistic infection?

Opportunist organisms have three main characteristics: (1) they are usually organisms of low pathogenicity, (2) they cause serious infections mainly when the host's defense mechanisms against infection are impaired, and (3) they can behave as conventional pathogens but under opportunistic conditions may cause atypical

Hassana Lehmann

Professional

How do opportunistic infections occur?

An opportunistic infection is 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 (such as a disrupted gut microbiota), or breached integumentary barriers.

Valentine Lejana

Explainer

What are the four types of infections?

Types of infection include bacterial, fungal, viral, protozoan, parasitic, and prion disease. They are classified by the type of organism causing the infection. Infections can range from mild inflammation in one person to an epidemic.

Daciano Mimoso

Explainer

What is the most common opportunistic skin bacteria?

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial skin pathogen affecting HIV-infected patients.

Yanli Dijk

Explainer

How can opportunistic infections be prevented?

Preventing opportunistic infections
  1. Practice safe sex. Several OIs are transmitted sexually.
  2. Practice safe food preparation.
  3. Take care around animals.
  4. Take care around people.
  5. Get vaccinated.
  6. Take preventive medicines if needed.
  7. Take antiretroviral medicines for your HIV.
  8. Keep a health journal and write down any new symptoms.

Ulisses Vilan

Pundit

Which skin infection is caused by bacteria?

Bacterial Skin Infections
Cellulitis Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath. It happens when bacteria enter a break in the skin and spread. Impetigo Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas.

Hossain Haferstroh

Pundit

Is TB an opportunistic infection?

TB is an opportunistic infection (OI). OIs are infections that occur more often or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems than in people with healthy immune systems. Worldwide, TB disease is one of the leading causes of death among people with HIV.

Marcus Ozcariz

Pundit

Who is most vulnerable to infection?

pregnant women; infants, and young children particularly under age 2; people of any age with certain chronic health conditions (including asthma or lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or some neurological conditions); people with severely compromised immune systems.

Co-Authored By:

EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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28th January, 2020

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