Which of the following situations might cause normal microbiota to become opportunistic pathogens?

• A. Regular hand washing
• B. Maintaining normal skin integrity
• C. Suppression of the immune system
• D. Consuming a balanced diet

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of normal microbiota: these are microorganisms that normally live on or within the human body without causing disease under healthy conditions.
2. Recognize what an opportunistic pathogen is: a microorganism that normally does not cause disease but can cause infections when the host's defenses are compromised.
3. Analyze each situation to see if it could compromise the host's defenses or change the environment in a way that allows normal microbiota to cause disease.
4. Note that regular hand washing and maintaining normal skin integrity help prevent infections and do not promote opportunistic infections.
5. Identify that suppression of the immune system weakens the body's defense mechanisms, allowing normal microbiota to become opportunistic pathogens and cause disease.