title: Infections in the compromised host.
abstract: The normal defense mechanisms against infection include (1) normal skin and mucous membranes, (2) humoral immunity, (3) phagocytic system, and (4) cellular immunity. The compromised (immunocompromised) host is an individual who has one or more deficiencies in these defense mechanisms. This article reviews potential infections in the compromised host as well as an approach to evaluation of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Ochsner Clinic of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alvarez
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000276:immunology; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology