Content Map Terms

Opportunistic Infections in HIV

Topic Overview

Opportunistic infections and diseases occur in people whose immune systems have been weakened. They usually do not occur in people who have healthy immune systems. When the immune system is weakened by a disease such as HIV infection, opportunistic diseases may cause serious, even life-threatening, illnesses.

Opportunistic infections that are common in people who have AIDS include:

People who have AIDS are more likely to develop certain cancers, such as:

Credits

Current as of:
July 1, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine