Definition:
An opportunistic infection is caused by pathogens in an unhealthy immune system, which presents the "opportunity" for the pathogen to infect.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type of opportunistic infection, but usually involves different antibiotics.
Symptoms and Signs:
The infected individual may suffer from certain infections including Pneumocystis jirovecii, which was previously known as Pneumocystis carinii f. hominis. Other types of infections that may be suffered by the individual includes among others, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Acinetobacter baumanni, Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus, Aspergillus sp., or Kaposi's Sarcoma.
Causes:
The unhealthy immune system of an individual may be caused by among others Malnutrition, Recurrent infections, Immunosuppressing agents for organ transplant recipients,
Chemotherapy for cancer, AIDS or HIV-infection, Genetic predisposition, Skin damage, Antibiotic treatment, and Medical procedures.
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