title: Diseases and drug-related interventions affecting host defence.
abstract: Recognition of an impaired immune system has implications for the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of infections. Not only the type of immunological dysfunction but also the degree of the dysfunction is important. A review is presented of the systemic diseases and immunosuppressive agents which may result in defects in host defence and associated infections. Especially in transplant patients and patients with HIV infection, knowledge of the stage of the host defense defect is important for the success of prophylactic regimens and for the clinical approach in the event of infection.
authors: Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Rotterdam/Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: de Marie
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D002908:Chronic Disease; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000503:physiopathology; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents