UNUSUAL INFECTIONS AND NEW DIAGNOSTIC METHODS IN THE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED HOST

Prophylactic regimens have, to a large extent, altered the spectrum of infections seen in the immunosuppressed patient. Although staphylococ ci and streptococci are still the most common bacterial isolates, rece nt emphasis is placed on infections caused by unusual Gram-positive ba cilli. Further progress has been made in the association of human herp esvirus 6 with disease in the immunocompromised patient, particularly in the transplant setting, A number of unusual parasitic infections ha ve been described in patients after bone marrow and solid organ transp lantation. Progress has been made in the diagnosis of some of the more elusive pathogens associated with the immunocompromised host, but man y organisms still remain difficult to detect. (C) Rapid Science Publis hers.