Pneumonia in immunocompromised people

[Becky]

Pneumonia is infection of the lungs. Pneumonia in people whose immune system is weakened or impaired (for example, by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS], cancer, organ transplantation, or the use of certain drugs) is often caused by different organisms than those that cause pneumonia in healthy people.

Pneumonias due to microorganisms that do not often cause disease in healthy people can occur in people who have a weakened immune system.
Symptoms vary but may include shortness of breath, cough, and fever.
X-rays of the chest are often combined with examinations of sputum and blood samples to make the diagnosis.
Antibiotics or antifungal or antiviral drugs are used to treat this pneumonia, and any immune system problem is treated.

Immunocompromised people have a weakened or impaired immune system. The immune system defends the body against microorganisms that can cause infection.
In people with a weakened immune system, pneumonia may be caused by many microorganisms, including those that do not usually cause pneumonia. Many conditions may cause weakness of the immune system, including

Cancer and the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
Defects in white blood cells
Diseases, such as AIDS
Certain drugs (such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and drugs used to treat autoimmune or connective tissue disorders)

(See also Overview of Pneumonia.)