Opportunistic Infections in Immunocompromised Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Jonathan E. Kaplan, Gary Roselle, Kent Sepkowitz
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Opportunistic infections occur more frequently in patients with impaired host defenses.
Conclusion
Opportunistic infections are a significant threat to immunocompromised populations, necessitating improved surveillance and understanding of risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 30 million HIV-infected persons lived in the world in 1997, with a significant number in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Tuberculosis is the most frequent serious opportunistic infection in the developing world.
- Elderly persons have defects in T-cell immunity, leading to increased incidence of infections.
Takeaway
Some people with weak immune systems get sick from infections that usually don't bother healthy people, and we need to keep an eye on these infections.
Limitations
Limited access to care and diagnostic capabilities hinder the assessment of opportunistic infections.
Participant Demographics
Includes HIV-infected persons, transplant recipients, and elderly individuals.
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