Pulmonary Infections in the Immunocompromised Host

Pulmonary infections are common complications in immunocompromised children, particularly hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, solid organ transplantation, and primary immunodeficiency patients. These infections may be due to common pathogens seen in all children or pathogens specific to immunocompetent hosts. In the setting of immune compromise, patients have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to pulmonary disease. Clinical symptoms and imaging findings are less predictable in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, diagnosis often requires consideration of their current immune status, an extensive exposure history, and invasive studies such as bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy. With multiple pathogens often contributing to disease in immunocompromised hosts, identification of all pathogens is important.