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In infection, ordinarily nonpathogenic or weakly pathogenic microbes that cause disease primarily in an immune compromised host.

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Final answer:

Primary pathogens can cause disease in a host regardless of the host's immune system, while opportunistic pathogens can only cause disease when the host's defenses are compromised.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pathogens can be classified as two types: primary pathogens and opportunistic pathogens. Primary pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease in a host regardless of the host's immune system. Opportunistic pathogens, on the other hand, can only cause disease in situations where the host's defenses are compromised. These situations include immune compromise, such as in patients with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, or when there is a breach of protective barriers, such as a severe wound or burn.

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