Opportunistic infections are caused by normally harmless microorganisms that become pathogenic in people with compromised immune systems. HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and those taking immunosuppressive drugs are at risk. Prophylactic drugs and regular medical checkups can help prevent and identify infections, but treatment can be complicated by existing medical conditions.
An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by a normally benign microorganism that has become pathogenic. Opportunistic infections occur in people with compromised immune systems that allow these organisms to take over and cause widespread infection. In individuals with a healthy immune system, these organisms would never be allowed to spread to the point of causing infection, because the immune system would keep them at bay.
A number of people are at risk of an opportunistic infection, also known as OI. The classic example is HIV/AIDS patients, infected with a retrovirus that essentially disables the immune system. People undergoing chemotherapy for cancer are also at risk, as are people taking drugs to suppress the immune system in preparation for organ transplants, victims of malnutrition and people with existing infections, particularly the elderly.
Some of the microorganisms that cause opportunistic infections are actually already present in the body. Organisms such as cytomegalovirus are present in well over 50% of the population, for example. People with compromised immune systems can experience an opportunistic infection as fungi, bacteria and protozoa run rampant in their own bodies or as a result of exposure to organisms carried by other people or animals. An opportunistic infection can also occur when a normally mildly virulent microorganism enters the body, which is why people with fevers, coughs and colds are asked to stay away from people with compromised immune systems.
One way to fight opportunistic infection is to take prophylactic drugs designed to make the body hostile to harmful invaders. However, it is impossible to protect against all potential sources of infection and in some regions people may not be able to pay for prophylactic therapy. Therefore, it is important that people with compromised immune systems get regular medical checkups, so that early signs of infection can be spotted before the situation becomes serious.
Once an opportunistic infection is identified, it needs to be treated so it cannot spread and cause further damage. However, the treatment is complicated by the patient’s existing medical condition. For example, a cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma develops in some AIDS patients. Normally, the cancer is benign, but it can be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, however, would destroy the patient’s immune system, so other therapeutic approaches must be used. Sometimes there is no effective treatment available, which is why opportunistic infections are so dangerous.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
