What is the difference between a nosocomial infection and oppotunistic infection?

Nosocomial infection

* A nosocomial infection is an infection that is acquired in a hospital or other healthcare setting.

* Nosocomial infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

* Some of the most common nosocomial infections include:

* Surgical site infections

* Pneumonia

* Urinary tract infections

* Bloodstream infections

* Nosocomial infections can be serious and even life-threatening.

* The risk of developing a nosocomial infection is increased for:

* People who are hospitalized for a long time

* People who have surgery

* People who have a weakened immune system

Opportunistic infection

* An opportunistic infection is an infection that occurs in a person with a weakened immune system.

* Opportunistic infections can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

* Some of the most common opportunistic infections include:

* Candidiasis

* Cryptococcosis

* Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)

* Toxoplasmosis

* Opportunistic infections can be serious and even life-threatening.

* The risk of developing an opportunistic infection is increased for:

* People with HIV/AIDS

* People with cancer

* People who have had an organ transplant

* People who are taking immunosuppressive drugs

Comparison of nosocomial and opportunistic infections

| Feature | Nosocomial infection | Opportunistic infection |

|---|---|---|

| Definition | Infection acquired in a healthcare setting | Infection occurring in a person with a weakened immune system |

| Cause | Bacteria, viruses, fungi | Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites |

| Examples | Surgical site infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections | Candidiasis, cryptococcosis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), toxoplasmosis |

| Risk factors | Hospitalization, surgery, weakened immune system | HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, immunosuppressive drugs |

| Treatment | Antibiotics, antifungals, antiviral drugs | Treatment depends on the underlying infection |