Examples of Opportunistic Infection

Before going to see the examples of opportunistic infection, it would be better to learn that what is HIV and how it helps such infections to attack on the immune system. HIV is known as Human Immuno Deficiency Virus. The virus leads to develop the AIDS. It attacks on the CD4 cells. The main function of the CD4 cells is to resist the diseases and infections that attack on the body. In such a way the immune system keeps the body healthy and protected. The virus assaults on immune system and makes it weakened gradually. It hides in these cells and reproduces itself still it takes the hold of whole immune system. The immune system cannot detect the virus as it progresses slowly. The immune system has been collapsed because of the virus. At every stage of the infection it gets decreased. Finally, the body succumbs to AIDS.

What is mean by opportunistic infection - Two examples of opportunistic infections are given below

In day to day life we unknowingly carry out many germs such as, fungi, bacteria, protozoa and viruses. When a person is HIV infection free the immune system resists such invaders. It controls them properly. However, when a person gets infected with HIV, the virus weakens the immune system badly. The immune system gets weakened stage by stage. The opportunistic infections take advantages of such situation and assaults on the immune system. The immune system which has been damaged already because of the virus can not resist such infections. These infections take the advantages of damaged immune systems and therefore are described as opportunistic.

There are various opportunistic infections that are given below with the range of CD4 cells count

In the early years opportunistic infections caused for a sickness and deaths. There are also some problems in vaginal area but they may be the early symptoms of HIV.

TB (Tuberculosis)

It is a bacterial infection that assaults on lungs. If an individual is infected with HIV and the result is positive for exposure to TB, then he should get treated.

MAC or MAI (Mycobacterium avium complex)

The bacterial infection is responsible for the Mycobacterium avium complex. It infection leads to cause recurring fevers, serious weight loss, sick feelings and problems with digestion.The count of CD4 is under seventy-five.

Herpes simplex viruses

CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

It is a viral infection. It leads to cause eye disease. It may lead to blindness. The CD4 count is under fifty.

PCP (Pneumocystis pneumonia)

It is a fungal infection and because of the infection a person gets a fatal pneumonia. The CD4 count is under two hundred. It is a common opportunistic infection in people those who have not been undergone treatment.

HSV

The most common infections that occur because of HSV are genital herpes or oral herpes (cold sores). If you are infected with HIV then the breakouts can be more severe and frequent. We can see the different CD4 count.

Toxo (Toxoplasmosis)

It is a protozoal infection of brain and the CD4 count is under hundred.

Thrush (Candidacies)

It a fungal infection that infects the throat, vagina or mouth. This infection can occur with quite high CD4 cells.

Malaria

Normally, malaria is the most common disease. However, it can be more severe in the infected people with HIV.

Examples of opportunistic infections are given here for your sake. You can get the list of such examples in the given article. Moreover you would be able to know that what is opportunistic infection and how it leads a person to the life threatening disease that is AIDS.