opportunistic pathogen


op·por·tu·nis·tic path·o·gen

an organism that is capable of causing disease only when the host's resistance is lowered, for example, by other diseases or drugs.

op·por·tu·nis·tic path·o·gen

(opŏr-tū-nistik pathŏ-jen) Organism capable of causing disease only when the host's resistance is lowered by other diseases or drugs.

opportunistic pathogen

an ORGANISM that does not normally cause a DISEASE, but which can become PATHOGENIC in some circumstances. see SECONDARY INFECTION.

op·por·tu·nis·tic path·o·gen

(opŏr-tū-nistik pathŏ-jen) Pathogen capable of causing disease only when the host's resistance is lowered.