Our immune system protects your body by fighting germs (such as viral, bacterial or fungal pathogens) and infections. Many viruses can be controlled by the immune system. As the virus multiplies, it damages or kills CD4 cells, which damages the immune system and weakens the body's defenses. CD4 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of immune cells that are supposed to protect the body from disease. When your immune system loses too many CD4 cells, you are less able to fight off infection and can develop serious illnesses, cancers, and neurological (nerve system) problems. These problems are called opportunistic infections (OIs), because they take advantage of the body's weakened defenses. OIs take advantage of your body's lower defenses to infect you. They can lead to hospitalization and disability, and are responsible for most of the deaths.
SOME EXAMPLES OF OOPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS
Cytomegalovirus
Candidiasis
Mycobacterium avium complex
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Pneumocystis pneumonia
Toxoplasmosis
Comments