title: Alteration of host defense mechanisms in chronic dialysis patients.
abstract: Chronic renal failure patients maintained on dialysis have an increased risk for infection. The mechanisms involved in these patient's increased susceptibility to infection are only partially understood. This article presents a brief overview of normal immune function and summarizes what is known about alterations in immune and phagocytic cell function in chronic dialysis patients.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis