Clinical Microbiology: Open Access

Spectrum of Opportunistic Infections

Rebecca Kumar^* Department of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA
^*Correspondence: Rebecca Kumar, Department of Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA, Email:

Received: 29-Apr-2022, Manuscript No. CMO-22-16842; Editor assigned: 03-May-2022, Pre QC No. CMO-22-16842(PQ); Reviewed: 17-May-2022, QC No. CMO-22-16842; Revised: 23-May-2022, Manuscript No. CMO-22-16842(R); Published: 01-Jun-2022, DOI: 10.35248/2327-5073.22.11.287

Description

Opportunistic infections occur when microorganisms take advantage of your weakened immune system (OI). Viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections are examples of opportunistic infections (bugs). They develop in people who have a weaker or compromised immune system, often as a result of another illness such as HIV-AIDS. Germs that cause OI spread in a variety of ways, including the air, body fluids, contaminated food, and water. Infections that take advantage of the immune system-compromised state In HIV patients there are a variety of OIs that can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoan organisms. Candidiasis, Salmonella infection, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis are some of the OIs those HIV patients may contract (TB). When your immune system loses too many CD4 cells, you become less capable of fighting infection and are more likely to develop major illnesses, malignancies, and neurological (nervous system) issues. In hospitals, many opportunistic infections are acquired. The immune system has the ability to control many viruses [1]. HIV, on the other hand, infects CD4 cells, turning them into virus factories that manufacture thousands of copies of the virus. The virus destroys or kills CD4 cells as it grows, weakening the immune system and the body's defenses.

Opportunist organisms have three main characteristics they are usually low pathogenic organisms they cause serious infections primarily when the host's defence mechanisms against infection are compromised and they cause serious infections when the host's defence mechanisms against infection are impaired [2]. They can act like traditional infections, but in the right circumstances, they can create unusual clinical presentations or widespread lesions. These microorganisms can become out of control and cause health problems when the immune system is compromised by HIV infection or certain drugs. Some people have a hereditary deficiency in their immunity that they have had since birth. Predisposition is a term that refers to a person's genetic makeup. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment [3]. Immunosuppressive medicines are used to avoid post-transplant rejection. Malnutrition is a serious problem. The most prevalent OIs are as follows Candidiasis, Cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium avium complex, Herpes simplex virus, Pneumocystis, Toxoplasmosis, Tuberculosis, and Cryptococcosis are all diseases caused by bacteria.

Symptoms of opportunistic infections in HIV patients vary depending on the organ implicated, but they can include Fever, coughing, breathlessness, Blisters on the skin and over the vaginal area are painful (cold sores). Joints that hurt Appetite loss/unexpected weight loss Lymph nodes that have grown in size swelling [4].

Regular cervical cancer screenings and gynecological exams are critical for HIV-positive women. Abnormal cells can grow in several sections of a woman's reproductive system. The sort of infection that a patient develops is heavily influenced by the opportunistic diseases that exist in that patient. Impaired host defenses, instrumentation and surgery, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, structural damage to an organ or system, and foreign entities are all examples of these illnesses. The majority of microorganisms that cause OIs are common, and you may already be infected with several of them.

Keep clean and avoid recognized sources of the germs that cause OIs to lower the risk of new infections [5]. If your CD4 cell count goes below 200, taking the right drugs can help you avoid having many OIs. The term "prophylaxis" refers to the practice of taking medication to avoid disease. One of the greatest methods for your healthcare practitioner to tell how effectively your immune system is operating is to measure your CD4 count. Keeping your CD4 count above 200 is one of the best ways to avoid an OI. Get your CD4 levels and hospital check-ups done on a regular basis. If your CD4 counts drop, your doctor may advise you to take prophylactic antibiotics to prevent OIs. Some of these infections can be avoided or prevented by getting vaccinated against them. Some diseases are caused by ordinary microorganisms that we come into contact with on a regular basis. Taking powerful antiretroviral drugs is the best method to avoid OIs (ARVs). The development of efficient treatment regimens to prevent and treat infections has been critical in helping AIDS patients live longer lives.

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