What type of infection takes advantage of someone's weakened immune system?

An opportunistic infection is one that occurs when the immune system is compromised or weakened, allowing pathogens that typically do not cause disease in healthy individuals to thrive. These infections can arise from various sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and often exploit the body's reduced ability to defend itself.

In healthy individuals, the immune system effectively keeps these pathogens in check, but when a person has an underlying condition such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or is undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, they become susceptible to these infections. Examples of opportunistic infections include candidiasis, pneumocystis pneumonia, and certain types of tuberculosis, all of which can severely impact the health of someone whose immune system is not functioning properly.

Understanding the nature of opportunistic infections is crucial for both prevention and treatment in vulnerable populations. This knowledge helps healthcare providers to monitor at-risk patients closely and administer prophylactic measures to prevent these infections from taking hold.