Opportunistic Infection, Attacking the Weak Immune System

Ever heard of opportunistic infections? Opportunistic infections are infections that occur because people with weakened immune systems. This infection is very dangerous for people who have HIV, because it can cause death. Opportunistic infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Called opportunistic because this infection will take advantage of a person's weakened immune system.

Vulnerable to Attacking People with Impairment of the Immune System

When the infection enters the body of a healthy person, white blood cells called lymphocytes respond to fight the infection. These lymphocytes include B cells and T cells. In people with HIV, certain T cells will experience death. This makes it difficult for the body to fight against new infections. When serious infections arrive and the number of blood cells that fight infection (known as CD4 cells) decreases, then someone who has HIV can be diagnosed with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Apart from HIV sufferers, the decline in the immune system can also be caused by severe burns, chemotherapy, diabetes, malnutrition, to cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma. These causes can ultimately weaken the body's defense system and cause sufferers to develop opportunistic infections.

This is a common opportunistic infection

Not only people with HIV can get this opportunistic infection. Because, almost all diseases can develop into opportunistic infections when the immune system is weak. There are two types of opportunistic infections (OIs), namely systemic OIs that affect the whole body, and local OIs that tend to affect only parts of the body. Here are some common opportunistic infectious diseases that often occur, including:

• Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida fungus that can appear anywhere on the body. This infection is an opportunistic infection that is commonly seen in HIV patients with CD4 cell counts between 200 to 500 cells / mm3. The most obvious symptom is white spots on the tongue or throat. Candidiasis can be treated with prescription antifungal drugs. To prevent candidiasis, keep oral hygiene and use mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (antiseptic) which can prevent this infection. Not only in the mouth or throat, this infection can also attack parts of your vagina.

• Pneumonia infection

Pneumonia infection is the most serious opportunistic infection for people with HIV. Pneumonia infection that is common in people with HIV is Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and is a leading cause of death among HIV patients. But apparently, this disease can be treated with antibiotics. As for the symptoms such as coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.

• Invasive cervical cancer

This is cancer that begins in the cervix, which then spreads to other parts of the body. This cancer condition can be reduced by the possibility of doing routine cervical examinations at the doctor.

• Cryptococcosis

Crypto neoformans (crypto) is a fungus commonly found in the soil and if inhaled can cause meningitis, which is serious inflammation of the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

• Herpes simplex

That is a virus that can cause bad sores around your mouth and genitals. This infection is usually transmitted through sexual contact or transmitted by the mother to the birth process. Apart from the mouth and genitals, this infection can also occur in the airways.

• Toxoplasmosis (toxo)

Is a parasite that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), as well as blurred vision and also eye damage. This parasite is transmitted through pets such as cats, rats and birds. In addition, toxo can also be found in red meat and although it can rarely be found in poultry meat.

• Tuberculosis

The TB bacterial infection, commonly known for attacking your lungs, can also attack other organs and cause meningitis.

According to research, men are 8 times more likely to develop a cancer called Kaposi's cancer. While women are more likely to develop pneumonia and herpes infections, as well as certain infections that can cause cancer in the reproductive system. Some germs that cause opportunistic infections are difficult to avoid. For that, you must take care of your health to avoid this dangerous infection. Among them: Perform healthy habits, including safe sex. Use condoms consistently and correctly to prevent exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

• Wash and cook food properly, avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs. Also avoid unpasteurized milk and use really clean cooking utensils, such as knives and cutting boards.
• Use gloves to remove pet feces, and keep cats out of the room so they don't carry germs that can harm you.
• Use towels and exercise equipment personally without taking turns with others.
• Try not to swallow or drink water directly from ponds, lakes or rivers.
• Vaccine for HIV and other diseases to protect your immune system.
• If you are a woman, do a pelvic exam and pap smear test to avoid cancer or other infections.

By knowing about opportunistic infections and the dangers, you are advised to always maintain the health of your body. Immediately consult a doctor if you often experience symptoms of opportunistic infections such as fever, headache, chills, joint pain, loss of appetite and drastic weight loss, swelling, and enlarged lymph nodes.