Opportunistic pathogen

Opportunistic Pathogen

An opportunistic pathogen is a type of microorganism that can cause disease in hosts with compromised immune systems, but typically does not cause disease in healthy individuals. These pathogens take advantage of certain situations, such as weakened immunity, to cause infection.

Types of Opportunistic Pathogens

Opportunistic pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Some common examples include:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A bacterium that can cause infections in the lungs, urinary tract, and kidneys.
• Candida: A type of yeast that can cause infections in the mouth, throat, and genital area.
• Cryptosporidium: A parasite that can cause diarrheal disease.
• Cytomegalovirus: A virus that can cause symptoms similar to mononucleosis.

Risk Factors

Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of infection from opportunistic pathogens. This can include people with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of opportunistic infections involves maintaining a healthy immune system and avoiding exposure to pathogens. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or antifungal drugs, depending on the type of pathogen.

See Also

• Pathogen
• Infection
• Immune system

Opportunistic pathogen Resources
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