What Are Examples of Opportunistic Infections?

• Cytomegalovirus:Family of opportunisticviruses, most commonly associated withrespiratory infection
• Human polyomavirus 2 or John Cunningham virus:Known to causeprogressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• Human herpesvirus 8 orKaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus:Associated with Kaposi sarcoma, a type ofcancer

• Clostridium difficile:Causes gastrointestinal infection anddiarrhea
• Legionella pneumophila: Causes Legionnaires disease, arespiratory infection
• Mycobacterium avium complex:Group of two bacteria (M. avium and M. intracellulare), typically co-infect, leading to a lung infection called mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection
• Mycobacteriumtuberculosis:Causestuberculosis, a respiratory infection
• Pseudomonasaeruginosa:Can cause respiratory infections, frequently associated with cystic fibrosis
• Salmonella:Causes gastrointestinal infections
• Staphylococcus aureus:Causes skin infections andsepsis, includingmethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcuspneumoniae:Causes respiratory infections
• Streptococcuspyogenes:Causes a variety of pathologies, includingimpetigoandstrep throat, as well as other more serious illnesses

• Aspergillus:Commonly associated with respiratory infection
• Candida albicans:Associated withoral thrushand gastrointestinal infection
• Coccidioides immitis:CausescoccidioidomycosisorValley Fever
• Cryptococcusneoformans:Causescryptococcosis, which can lead to pulmonary infection as well as nervous system infections such asmeningitis
• Histoplasma capsulatum:Causeshistoplasmosisand often involves respiratory infection
• Microsporidia:Can causemicrosporidiosisin immunocompromised human hosts
• Pneumocystis jirovecii or Pneumocystis carinii:Causes pneumocystispneumonia, a respiratory infection

• Cryptosporidium:Infects the gastrointestinal tract, causingdiarrhea
• Toxoplasma gondii:Causestoxoplasmosis, which is dangerous in unbornbabiesifpregnantwomen are infected

Symptoms of opportunistic infections vary depending on the organ and the pathogen involved and may include:

• Fever
• Productivecough
• Breathlessness
• Painfulblisterson skin and over the genital area
• Candidiasis(口腔或阴道thrush)
• Skin infections andrashes
• Unexplainedweight loss
• Loss of vision
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Severe, chronicdiarrhea
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Dysphagia(difficulty swallowing)
• Odynophagia (painwhen swallowing)
• Confusion
• Night sweats/chills
• Enlarged lymph nodes

People with weakened immune systems, including those withhuman immunodeficiency virus(HIV), are more likely to contract opportunistic infections.

The immune system defends the body against potentially harmful pathogens, such asallergiesand infections. White blood cells are the most important component of a healthy immune system. A low white blood cell count can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications, infection, and certain diseases. Individuals may be unable to fight illnesses if their white blood cell count is low, leading to opportunistic infections.

Common sources of pathogens that cause opportunistic infections include:

• Untreated water or soil
• Unwashed foods, undercooked eggs or meat, unpasteurized dairy or juices, or raw, sprouted grains
• Contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals
• Contact with animal feces

Risk factors for opportunistic infections include:

• Diagnosis ofHIV/AIDS
• History ofcancer
• Immunosuppressive agents/long-termcorticosteroidtherapy
• Primary immunodeficiency, such as severe combined immunodeficiency or selective immunoglobulin A deficiency.

Common disturbance of the host immunity that may lead to opportunistic infections include:

• 政府免疫抑制剂或类固醇therapy
• AdvancedHIV
• Chemotherapy
• Skin injuries (surgery)
• Antibiotic use resulting in the disruption of the normal flora in the body

If you acquire an opportunistic infection, there are antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal medications that can help. After effectively treating an opportunistic infection, you may continue to use the same or a different drug to keep the infection from recurring.

Preventiontips for opportunistic infections include:

Safe food preparation

• Some illnesses can enter your body through the food and water you consume.
• Do not consume raw milk or cheese, raw fruit juices, or raw seed sprouts.
• Avoid drinking water from lakes and rivers.
• Use bottled water wherever possible.

Caution around animals

• Make sure that your pets are vaccinated and that your cat stays indoors.
• After touching animals, wash your hands.
• When changing cat litter, use gloves.
• When working in soil, stay away from animal excrement.

Caution around people

• Stay away from sick people, especially those with diseases such aspneumoniaor tuberculosis.
• Wipe downexerciseequipment using your own towel.
• Never share needles with other people.
• Practice good sexual hygiene.
• Wear masks and gloves when going outside.
• Keep up with doctor appointments,vaccinations, and immunizations.

Working closely with your doctor and taking reasonable measures can help you lower your risk of opportunistic infections.