A client has a diagnosis of HIV and has been admitted to the hospital with an opportunistic infection that originated with the client's normal flora. Why did this client most likely become ill from his resident microorganisms?

Question

A) The resident microorganisms mutated and became virulent
B) The client's immune system became further weakened
C) The client's normal flora proliferated because of a nutritional deficit
D) The client's normal flora began producing spores

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Unless the supporting host becomes weakened, normal flora remains controlled. If the host's defenses are weakened, as in cases of HIV/AIDS, even benign microorganisms can cause opportunistic infections. This phenomenon is not due to mutations, spore production or the direct effects of a nutritional deficit.