opportunistic infection

/ˌˈɑpərtuˌnɪstɪk ɪnˌfɛkʃən/

Other forms: opportunistic infections

Definitions of opportunistic infection

1. noun

   any infection caused by a microorganism that does not normally cause disease in humans; occurs in persons with abnormally functioning immune systems (as AIDS patients or transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs)
   types:

   aspergillosis

   an opportunistic infection by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus; characterized by inflammation and lesions of the ear and other organs

   type of:

   infection

   the pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms