Opportunisitic Pathogens of Humans

Abstract

Opportunistic pathogens (OP) pose a serious threat to human health, and the frequency of opportunistic infections (OI) is increasing worldwide. Rising rates of human OI are attributed to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant or more virulent microbes, as well as advances in medical technology that have led to the extended lifespan of individuals suffering from chronic diseases and living in an immunocompromised state. This chapter highlights the populations at greatest risk for OI, as well as the major bacterial and fungal OPs that threaten human health and burden modern healthcare systems. We emphasize here characteristics of infection, epidemiology, microbial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance.