Iopportunistic infection is a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection that occurs in people with weakened immune systems. In other words, this infection takes opportunity from weak power hold up, for can develop.
Opportunistic infections do not attack people who are healthy and have a good immune system. However, if it occurs in people with very weak immune systems, such as AIDS sufferers, this infection can cause death.
Conditions That Are Vulnerable to Opportunistic Infections
When disease-causing germs enter a healthy person's body, white blood cells called lymphocytes respond to fight them, preventing infection from occurring. Even if there is an infection, generally can heal easily.
Meanwhile, in people with AIDS, where the number of white blood cells called CD4 cells is not enough to fight germs, infection can occur easily. Even bacteria or fungi that are usually harmless and live normally in and on the body's surface can cause infection.
It's not just HIV disease that can cause opportunistic infections. All conditions that make the immune system weak can be a "door" for opportunistic infections to enter.
Here are some conditions that are prone to opportunistic infections:
- Severe burns
- Undergoing chemotherapy
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
Types of Opportunistic Infections
The following are some of the common types of opportunistic infections:
1. Fungal infection
Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection that often occurs and can appear in any part of the body. People with HIV infection often experience candidiasis, especially in the mouth and vagina.
In addition to candidiasis, fungal infections that can occur are black fungus disease. This infection is quite rare, but can cause fatal complications.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the most serious opportunistic infection for people with HIV. Pneumonia infections that commonly occur in HIV patients are: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) which can be treated with antibiotics.
3. Cervical cancer invasive
This cancer starts in the cervix (cervix), which then spreads to other parts of the body. The appearance of this cancer can be detected early and treated immediately if routine screening is carried out, namely by: PAP smear.
4. Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by a parasite Cryptosporidium. This disease causes diarrhea with loose stools. In people with HIV, the disease can last longer and cause more severe symptoms.
5. Herpes simplex
This viral infection can cause the appearance of small bubbles and characteristic sores around the mouth and genitals. Herpes simplex can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, it can also be transmitted from mother to baby through childbirth. In addition to the mouth and genitals, this infection can also attack the respiratory tract. People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to herpes simplex, and the symptoms they experience will also be more severe.
6. Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In healthy people, these infections are generally harmless. However, in people with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can attack the brain and cause visual disturbances, hearing loss, seizures, and even coma.
7. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria MMycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease can be spread through splashes of saliva when the sufferer coughs, sneezes, or talks. People with HIV are very susceptible to TB disease. If left untreated, this disease can lead to death.
Opportunistic Infection Prevention
To prevent opportunistic infections, there are several steps you can take, namely:
- Apply a healthy lifestyle, including practicing safe sex. Use a condom when having sex, to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
- Wash and cook food well. Ensure the cleanliness of the cooking utensils used to process food.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked milk, meat and eggs.
- Use gloves to pick up pet waste, and keep cats out of the room so they don't carry germs that could harm you.
- Avoid sharing toothbrushes or towels with other people.
- Avoid swallowing or drinking water that comes directly from ponds, lakes, or rivers.
- Get tested for HIV regularly if you are at high risk of developing this infection. Consult a doctor regarding your risk.
- Follow the vaccination program that is required and recommended by the government to maintain immunity.
- For women, do a pelvic exam and Papp smear to detect cancer or infection.
Opportunistic infections do not need to be feared if your body condition is healthy. However, if your immune system is weak, or if you have a medical condition that can weaken your immune system, make regular checkups with your doctor so that opportunistic infections can be prevented and detected as early as possible.