What types of organisms can cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems?

Fungi are significant pathogens that can cause serious infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or receiving immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplants. These organisms thrive in various environments and can invade tissues, leading to conditions like candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis, which are particularly dangerous in immunocompromised individuals.

Fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to their ability to evade detection by the immune system and their intrinsic resistance to certain antifungal medications. This risk factor underscores the importance of understanding how fungi can affect individuals with compromised immunity, making them a critical concern in infectious disease and microbiology.

In contrast, helminths, mycoplasmas, and prions are less commonly linked to opportunistic infections in these populations. Helminths typically affect those with a functioning immune system and might not pose a direct threat when the immune system is compromised. Mycoplasmas cause respiratory infections and are not commonly associated with severe illnesses in immunocompromised patients. Prions are infectious agents responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, but they do not cause infections in the traditional sense and are not influenced by immune system function as fungi