Community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Opportunistic infections to consider in differential diagnosis

Postgrad Med. 2003 Jan;113(1):65-6, 69-70, 73-4 passim. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2003.01.1351.

Abstract

Immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for a large group of infections that are either uncommon or much less severe in the immunocompetent host. These opportunistic infections broaden the diagnostic considerations in differential diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with immunodeficiencies. This article highlighted epidemiologic factors, clinical presentations, and treatment options for four selected opportunistic infections that represent varied classes of pathogens: nematodes (S stercoralis), mycoses (C neoformans), bacteria (P aeruginosa in patients with HIV infection), and viruses (measles virus).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / diagnosis
  • Measles / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis*
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / virology
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia / microbiology
  • Pneumonia / virology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pseudomonas Infections / diagnosis
  • Strongyloidiasis / diagnosis