Infectious disease considerations in immunocompromised patients

JAAPA. 2020 Sep;33(9):16-25. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000694948.01963.f4.

Abstract

Immunocompromised patients account for about 3% of the US population. Complications arising from infection are common in these patients and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This article describes the pathophysiology of immunosuppression in five common immunocompromised states-asplenia, HIV infection, solid organ transplant, biologic use, and cancer-as well as specific infectious risks and considerations for affected patients and how to manage them.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Biological Factors
  • Communicable Diseases / etiology*
  • Communicable Diseases / immunology*
  • HIV Infections
  • Heterotaxy Syndrome
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunocompromised Host / immunology*
  • Neoplasms
  • Risk
  • Transplants
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Biological Factors