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Pneumococci organism
Pneumococci organism
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Pneumonia in immunocompromised host

Definition:
An infection of the lungs that occurs in a person whose mechanisms to fight infection are significantly impaired.

Alternative Names:
Pneumonia in immunodeficient patient

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Because defense mechanisms are limited in immunocompromised patients (people with a defective immune response), they are susceptible to infections by microorganisms that are present everywhere, but do not cause disease in healthy people. They are also more susceptible to the usual causes of pneumonia, which can affect anyone. Causes of immunosuppression include HIV infection, leukemia, organ transplantation, bone marrow transplant, and medications to treat cancer.



Review Date: 2/27/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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