Opportunistic Infections

Table of Contents

When our immune system is working properly, it controls all the bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses that are in our bodies naturally.  When our immune system is weakened by an autoimmune disease like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or the medications used to treat it, these germs can get out of control and cause infection.  Infections that take advantage of this weakened state are known as opportunistic infections.

Below are some of the most common opportunistic infections.  If you suspect you may have one of these or you are on immunosuppressives and are experiencing fever, chills, sore throat, swollen glands, or any other sign of infection let your doctor know.  To help avoid these infections practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with people with who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, make sure you are up to date on all vaccines, and practice safe food handling procedures.

• Candidiasis (Yeast Infection/Thrush) - This is a fungal infection that can affect the mouth, throat or vagina.  Symptoms include itching, burning or soreness.  Sometimes there are no apparent symptoms.  Anti-fungal medications, either over-the-counter or prescription are used to treat this infection.

• Herpes Simplex - This virus includes both oral herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes).  These are fairly common viruses but if you are immunocompromised, outbreaks may be more severe and more frequent. 

• Herpes Zoster (Shingles) - This is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus.  After you have chickenpox the virus lies dormant in your body.  Being immunocompromised can cause the virus to reactivate causing an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin.  The first sign is typically pain, itching, burning or tingling in one particular area on only one side of the body.  The rash breaks out a few days later.  This can be extremely painful and usually lasts several weeks.  Antiviral medication should be prescribed as early as possible to reduce the risk of the painful after affects known as postherpetic neuralgia that can last for months or even years.  more info...

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) - This is a fungal infection that causes pneumonia.  This can be very dangerous.  Symptoms include high fever, non-productive cough, shortness of breath, weight loss and night sweats.  Steroids and antibiotics are usually used to treat PCP.

• Salmonella - This is a bacteria that can cause typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever and food borne illness. 

• Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph Infection) - This is a bacteria that can cause a range of illnesses from minor skin infections and abscesses, to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)- MRSA is a strain of Staph that is resistant to broad spectrum antibiotics.  It is highly contagious and very dangerous to the immunocompromised.  It can be fatal.