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Pneumonia in immunocompromised host

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Pneumonia in immunodeficient patient

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection with antibiotics or antifungal agents. The specific drug used will depend on what kind of organism is causing the problem. One drug may kill one type of organism, but not another.

Respiratory treatments (to remove fluid and mucus) and oxygen therapy are often needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome may be poor if the pneumonia is caused by a virus or fungus, or if the patient is severely immunosuppressed.

Complications:

• Respiratory failure
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are immunosuppressed and you have symptoms of pneumonia.

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Cohen J, Powderly WG. Infectious Diseases . 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier, 2004.

Mandell, GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis . 2007 Mar 1;44 Suppl 2:S27-72.

American Thoracic Society. Guidelines for the management of adults with hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and healthcare-associated pneumonia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med . 2005 Feb 15;171(4):388-416.

• Review Date: 11/7/2005
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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