Description:

This discussion board explores opportunistic infections and the conditions that cause them, with an emphasis on the fugal disease candidiasis caused by the organism Candida albicans.

Objectives:

• Examine opportunistic infections that arise from our normal microflora and the conditions that allow these organisms to cause disease.

Instructions:

Step 1: Respond to the following prompts.

• Opportunistic infections commonly arise from our own microflora. What is an opportunistic infection? Provide a brief description of what conditions could lead to changes in our own microflora, allowing the fungus Candida albicans to causes the disease candidiasis. What are the most common areas of the body infected with this microorganism and how is treated? What are some preventative steps that could be taken to reduce the risk of an infection with this opportunistic organism?