This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of the concepts vital to a modern treatment of common and opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised host. Chapters are written by experts in the field, and include their views on gaps in the field and future directions of research. This book begins with an overview of the normally functioning immune system followed by a detailed discussion of the major primary immunodeficiencies. Specific chapters are dedicated to providing practical knowledge in the prevention and treatment of infections in specific immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer, transplant recipients, HIV infection, and autoimmune disorders. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic evaluation, antimicrobial selection that includes consideration of the threat of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and immunotherapy tailored to specific patients. Finally, dedicated chapters on stem cell transplantation for patients with primary immunodeficiencies, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, and gene therapy will provide readers with insight into these rapidly evolving and cutting edge therapies.Management of Infections in the Immunocompromised Host is a valuable resource for infectious diseases specialists, immunologists, oncologists, hematologists, general physicians, students, researchers, and all other working with immunocompromised patients.

The subject matter of this volume, the basis for which was a conference held in Philadelphia which focused on the subject of infections, including their diagnosis and treatment, in immunocompromised individuals. The material is of particular importance today when placed against the background of the rapid spread of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The first section dealt with the general subject of the immunocompromised host. Here, reviewed in detail, were the epidemiological and clinical aspects of opportunistic infections in patients with defective immune responses. It is widely acknowledged that infections are a major complication of the neoplastic process. Cancer-bearing patients are more prone to certain kinds of infectious and cancer chemotherapy almost always increases susceptibility to such infections. Depending upon the basic disease process of the cancer, a specific array of infectious diseases can be predicted. Patients altered in thymus-derived lymphocyte populations or mononuclear phagocyte capabilities resulting in defects in cell mediated immunity or delayed hypersensitivity become highly susceptible to certain groups of organisms, whereas, profoundly neutropenic patients usually become infected with different organisms. The types of infections noted are relatively predictable for the type of immune defect, with some variations according to epidemiological factors. Major advances have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of infectious complications with increasingly effective antimicrobial agents and increasing knowledge of their use. The application of so-called preventive procedures has had limited value to date, including immunotherapy, which appears to hold much promise.

Because of limited access to medical libraries and medical journals, the majority of clinicians may find it difficult to keep informed on the latest developments in drug manufacture and treatment of infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients. This new handbook strives to fulfill the need for information in this area of medicine. This is the first book on drug development and treatment of infectious diseases in immunocompromised hosts. It integrates both results from large-scale clinical trials and single cases as well as small groups of patients. It covers bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections, including a wide array of diseases. Infectious Diseases in Immunocompromised Hosts encompasses not only opportunistic infections associated exclusively with immunocompromised patients, but also common infections that become life-threatening for immunosuppressed individuals.

The updated second edition of Cutaneous Manifestations of Infection in the Immunocompromised Host is an invaluable reference for physicians and ancillary medical professionals involved in the care of patients with impaired immune systems due to cancer, chemotherapy, systemic steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs, HIV/AIDS or organ transplantation. This volume will help you recognize skin lesions and diagnose their infectious cause. Textbook features include: · Over 350 color images demonstrating pathognomonic, atypical, rare and routine skin lesions · Tables for differential diagnosis of different skin lesions in the immunocompromised host · Complete coverage of infectious pathogens with the patterns of infection and the likely causes in different clinical settings (HIV/AIDS versus solid organ transplantation versus neutropenia post-chemotherapy versus bone marrow recovery post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ) · New chapter discussing the role of viruses causing malignancies with cutaneous signs in the immunocompromised patient Written by dermatologists, the new edition is an indispensable diagnostic tool intended for use by all clinicians who care for immunocompromised patients.

This bookis designed as a clinically relevant handbook for use by specialist trainee and consultant medical staff caring for immunocompromised patients in a hospital setting.

Strategies for providing optimal care to this high-risk patient group The immunocompromised patient population is increasing throughout the world. Major advances in transplantation techniques have expanded access to lifesaving therapies and improved outcomes in these high-risk populations. An understanding of the biology of these infections, host conditions, and the limitations of technologies used to detect and quantify such pathogens is critical to optimal care. This new edition of Diagnostic Microbiology of the Immunocompromised Host covers all aspects of state-of-the-art diagnostics for infectious complications in the immunocompromised patient. Editors Randall Hayden, Karen Carroll, Yi-Wei Tang and Donna Wolk, assembled the contributions of a team of preeminent authors to discuss a broad range of topics, including relevant aspects of host biology, antineoplastic, and transplantation techniques and the basis of immunosuppressive conditions ranging from diabetes to age-related immunosuppression approaches, interpretations, and limitations of laboratory diagnosis of infections by a wide range of specific etiologic agents laboratory diagnosis of infections of specific organ systems, such as respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, and central nervous system infections special topics such as prosthetic devices and catheters, healthcare acquired infections, and morphologic considerations (anatomic pathology) future diagnostic technologies and their potential impact on the field Diagnostic Microbiology of the Immunocompromised Host is a resource for laboratory medicine specialists, pathologists, technologists, students, and clinical care professionals who are involved or interested in the care of the immunocompromised host. If you are looking for online access to the latest clinical microbiology content, please visit www.wiley.com/learn/clinmicronow.

The immuno-compromised patient is more susceptible to a broader range of infections than others, and infections of the respiratory tract are among the first and most common to be encountered. In this book the authors review current options for management for a group of patients that present unique challenges to the clinician, and for whom the choices of effective therapy are often limited. Most up to date book available dedicated specifically to this topic Major management issue in respiratory medicine for critical care, transplant and cancer patients Reviews important new advances in therapeutics, including drug resistance

In this unique supplement, we have compiled several state-of-the-art topics that are based on lectures delivered by eminent mycology experts during the 37th ICHS meeting. We hope that the esteemed audience of the Journal of Fungi will enjoy and appreciate the ever-evolving and complex field of fungal infections in vulnerable hosts.

The book provides a practical, clinically useful guide for any physician involved in the care of immunocompromised patients, written by world class specialists. The text is presented clearly and consistently with design features to increase accessibility of information. The thinking and questioning patterns of physicianswho refer to a specialist for help are closely followed and all the commonly asked questions are answered. Concise, practical and clinically relevant Provides Clinicians of all disciplines with access to specialist advice Covers the most commonly asked questions about treatment of the immunocompromised patient

This book provides an overview of background information on the epidemiology, biology, and pathophysiology of HIV infection. It presents the spectrum of HIV disease from acute infection to specific syndrome. The book reviews the management of specific opportunistic infections.