What are opportunistic infections?

What are CD4+T cells?

CD4+T cells are the immune system's key infection fighters and the entity that allows HIV to enter, attach and infect the body's immune system. The CD4+T cells (also called T4 cells) are disabled and destroyed by the virus, often with no symptoms, causing a significant decrease in the blood levels of T4 cells. In the advanced stages of HIV, the body may have fewer than 200 T4 cells, while a healthy adult's count is 1,000 or more. In this way, the body's immune system is continuously weakened from the moment of infection and the inability of the immune system to fight infection opens the door to opportunistic infections।

What are opportunistic infections?

According to the CDC, AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. Opportunistic infections are a result of the weakened immune system present in persons with HIV/AIDS. An infection takes the "opportunity" provided by the weakened immune system to cause an illness that is usually controlled by a healthy immune system. These infections are sometimes life-threatening and require medical intervention to prevent or treat serious illnesses. Persons living with advanced HIV infection suffer opportunistic infections of the lungs, brain, eyes and other organs. The 26 CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses are opportunistic infections. There are medical treatments that can slow the rate at which the immune system is weakened and early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative care.