Opportunistic infection

An opportunistic infection occurs when a person's immune system is weakened, making them more susceptible to infections that normally wouldn't cause illness in healthy individuals. These infections are caused by organisms—like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that take advantage of the compromised immune defenses. Opportunistic infections are often seen in people with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Since the body struggles to fight these infections, they can be more severe and harder to treat than typical infections. Preventing these infections is crucial for maintaining health in vulnerable individuals.