Review article

Pneumonia in Immunosuppressed Patients

Gordana Pavliša
Ana Hećimović
Fedža Džubur
Miroslav Samaržija

Abstract

Pulmonary infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. In recent years, the spectrum of immunocompromised patients has significantly increased as a result of a growing number of patients receiving immunosuppressive drug regimens for the management of organ transplantation or autoimmune inflammatory conditions, patients with malignancies, hematologic diseases and patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Immunosuppression may be a result of a lack of neutrophil-mediated immunity, as well as a lack of humoral or cellular immunity or the use of glucocorticoids. The type of pathogens causing the infection is directly related to the underlying type of immunodeficiency, and the degree and duration of the immunosuppression. In addition to common pathogens, organisms of low native virulence can cause severe infections in immunocompromised hosts. Multiple simultaneous infections are also common in this population. Early specific microbiologic diagnoses and initiating the target therapy can help reduce morbidity and mortality. Whenever possible, the level of immunosuppression should be decreased, to improve the outcomes.

Keywords

pneumonia; immunosuppression; opportunistic infections

Hrčak ID:

161771

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/161771

Publication date:

13.7.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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