Opportunistic Infections
Type: Symptom
Definition
Severe illnesses caused by pathogens that rarely affect individuals with healthy immune systems.
Clinical Details
The profound depletion of helper T-cells leaves the body entirely defenseless against ubiquitous environmental fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Pathogens like Pneumocystis jirovecii or cytomegalovirus rapidly invade the lungs, brain, and eyes unchecked. The onset of these specific, severe infections is the clinical defining feature of this advanced disease state.