Opportunistic infection

Opportunistic infections are infections caused by organisms and usually do not cause disease in a person with a healthy immune system, but can affect people with a poorly functioning or suppressed immune system. They need an "opportunity" to infect a person.

Causes

• immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by:
  • Malnutrition
  • Recurrent infections
  • Organ transplant recipients
  • Chemotherapy for cancer
  • AIDS or HIV-infection
  • Genetic predisposition
• Skin damage
• Antibiotic treatment
• Medical procedures

Types of infections

These infections include:

• Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of opportunistic infection, but usually involves antibiotics.