The HIV virus attacks the white blood cells of the patient and especially a subset known as T-helper cells or CD4. This attack makes way for the accidental infections to take benefit of the immune system which is weak and cause various disease, neurological problems and cancer. People having HIV and who have developed an opportunistic infection might have the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. With much care, treatment and continuous monitoring, they can stay happier and healthier.

The Causes for opportunistic Infections with HIV

HIV-AIDSA wide range of microbes can lead to opportunistic infections with HIV which is inclusive of viruses, bacteria, fungi or protozoa. Even earlier to HIV infections, we might have these germs in our body. But with a healthy immunity system they are kept under control. The places where the germs will be causing the opportunistic infections with HIV are water and soil, raw foods that are not cleaned properly, animal feces contact, contact with infected people or unprotected sex where germs commonly exist like care centers, schools or hospitals . Contact by sharing drugs and needles or other drug related equipment.

Generic Opportunistic Infections of HIV

Any malady can turn into an opportunistic infection of HIV when we have a weak immune system. Some are more common that other disease and some occur at certain CD4 count levels. Some of the common infections are,

  • Cadidiasis : Fungal opportunistic infection which occurs in vagina, mouth and throat.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans – Inflammation of the membranes which surround spinal cord and brain caused by fungus.
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) – These are viruses which affect brain.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – A virus which causes blindness and eye infection.
  • Microsporidiosis and Cryptosporidiosis – protozoa which affect gastrointestinal tracts.
  • Herpes simplex – These are viruses which cause painful genital sores.
  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) – This is a bacterium which causes fevers and issues related to digestion and weight loss.
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) – These are fungi which lead to fatal pneumonia.
  • Toxoplasmosis (Toxo) – These are protozoan which can cause some brain inflammation termed as encephalitis.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) – This is a bacterial disease which hurts the lungs and could cause meningitis.

    • Safeguarding from Opportunistic Infections of HIV

    Some microbes which cause opportunistic infections of HIV are far-flung making it very hard for prevention. There are some steps for prevention as below,

    1) Take nutritious food to enhance the immunity.
    2) Do some regular workouts and check with the physician before planning an exercise routine.
    3) Take enough rest and manage stress effectively.
    4) Quit smoking and taking drugs if you have the habit.
    5) Wash the food items very carefully before cooking. Do not take undercooked meat, eggs and also raw food items. Also wash the hands, knives and other kitchen stuff and use disinfectant liquid to clean them.
    6) Practice protected sex and make use of condoms.

    • Use towels while using shared equipment in gyms and for drying yourself after that.
    • Avoid swallowing up pool or lake water that could be infected.
    • Get vaccinations as per the recommendation of your doctor.
    • Also take drugs for HIV in order to keep the immunity system healthy.

    As long the count of CD4 stays high, the infections are less probably an issue.

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