Opportunistic

opportunistic /op·por·tu·nis·tic/ (op?er-tldbomacn-is´tik)

1. denoting a microorganism which does not ordinarily cause disease but becomes pathogenic under certain circumstances.

2. denoting a disease or infection caused by such an organism.

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op·por·tun·is·tic (pr-t-nstk)

adj.

1. Of or relating to an organism capable of causing disease only in a host whose resistance is lowered.

2. Of or relating to a disease caused by an opportunistic organism.

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Opportunistic

Causing disease only under certain conditions, as when a person is already sick or has a weak immune system.

Mentioned in: Pseudomonas Infections

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opportunistic

1. denoting a microorganism which does not ordinarily cause disease but becomes pathogenic under certain circumstances.

2. denoting a disease or infection caused by such an organism.

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opportunistic Medtalk adjective Relating to a microorganism that is part of the normal nonpathogenic flora, which causes disease given the opportunity–eg, by a compromised host immune defense