What is an opportunistic pathogen?

An opportunistic pathogen is specifically defined as a microorganism that typically does not cause disease in a healthy individual but has the potential to cause illness when the host's immune defenses are weakened or compromised. This can occur in individuals with underlying health conditions, such as immunosuppression due to diseases, medications, or advanced age.

Opportunistic pathogens take advantage of the host's vulnerable state to establish infections, which might not be possible otherwise. This concept is crucial in understanding various infections, especially in clinical settings where patients are already at risk due to factors such as surgery, chronic illness, or the use of immunosuppressive therapies.

Understanding this characteristic helps in the prevention and management of infections in vulnerable populations, guiding healthcare professionals in choosing appropriate preventative measures and treatments.