Final answer:
AIDS patients are at high risk for fungal opportunistic infections due to their weakened immune systems. Common infections include Candidiasis and Pneumocystis pneumonia, which can be severe and life-threatening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inter-relationship between AIDS and fungal opportunistic infections is a significant area of concern in medicine. Immunodeficiency caused by AIDS permits opportunistic pathogens, including fungi, to cause infections that are typically rare in individuals with a healthy immune system. Among these, Candidiasis, caused by Candida species, and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, are the most prevalent. These infections can result in severe illness and can be life-threatening without appropriate management and antiretroviral therapy. As AIDS progresses, the risk for developing such fungal opportunistic infections increases, which underscores the need for robust diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies..