Infection, opportunistic
An infection that grasps the opportunity to cause disease, which is presented when a person’s immune system is weak. These opportunistic microorganisms may be dormant in the body and may cause few problems for healthy individuals. Opportunistic infections are a particular problem for organ transplant patients and those with diseases that affect the immune system, particularly AIDS. Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus are examples of opportunistic infections.
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- Infection, pork tapeworm
Avoid eating raw or undercooked pork and other meats. Don’t eat meat of pigs that are likely to be infected with the tapeworm. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food, especially when traveling in developing countries. Wash and peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Avoid food […]
- Infection, pinworm
An infestation of the intestinal tract by small, white pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis). Pinworms are about the length of a staple, and they live for the most part within the human rectum. While a pinworm-infested person is asleep, female pinworms leave the intestines through the anus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus. Most […]
- Infection, primary HIV
The first few months after infection with HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus). During primary HIV infection, seroconversion occurs — the appearance of detectable antibodies to HIV in the blood. It normally takes several weeks to several months for antibodies to the virus to develop after HIV transmission. When antibodies to HIV appear in the blood, […]
- Infection, roundworm
Trichuris trichiura, also called the human whipworm. This worm is found worldwide, with infections more frequent in areas with tropical weather and poor sanitation practices, and among children. Some 800 million people are infected. Trichuriasis (infection with Trichuris trichiura) is not foreign to the United States; it occurs in the southern US. The term roundworm […]
- Infection, urinary tract (UTI)
An infection in the urinary system that begins when microorganisms cling to the opening of the urethra (the canal from the bladder) and begin to multiply. Most UTIs are due to one type of bacteria, E. (Escherichia) coli, a normal denizen of the colon. An infection in the urethra leads to inflammation called urethritis. From […]