Which type of pathogen is typically associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals?

Fungi are commonly associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals due to several factors. In healthy individuals, the immune system effectively restricts fungal growth and clears minor invocations. However, in those who are immunocompromised—such as patients undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with HIV/AIDS—the immune defenses are weakened. This makes it easier for fungi to invade and establish infections, as these pathogens can thrive in bodies where the immune response is compromised.

Fungal infections can be particularly difficult to treat and can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised patients, often resulting in high morbidity and mortality. For instance, organisms like Candida and Aspergillus are known to cause significant issues in such populations, leading to conditions like candidiasis and aspergillosis.

Bacteria and viruses can also affect immunocompromised hosts, but the prevalence and severity of fungal infections in these patients are notably high. Prions, on the other hand, are infectious proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases and are not directly related to the common types of infections seen in the immunocompromised.