Opportunistic Infections in HIV
Overview
Opportunistic infections and diseases occur in people whose immune systems have been weakened. They usually do not occur in people who have healthy immune systems. When the immune system is weakened by a disease such as HIV infection, opportunistic diseases may cause serious, even life-threatening, illnesses.
Opportunistic infections that are common in people who have AIDS include:
- Pneumocystis pneumonia.
- Tuberculosis.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
People who have AIDS are more likely to develop certain cancers, such as:
- Kaposi sarcoma.
- Cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).
- Cancer of the cervix.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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Related Information- Top of the page
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine