IMMUNOSUPPRESSION: DIAGNOSIS AND OPTIONS FOR CORRECTION IN PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Immunosuppression, whether due to hematological malignancies, organ transplantation, human immunodeficiency virus infection, long-term use of corticosteroids or biologics, primary immunodeficiencies, or aging, significantly increases susceptibility, risk of severe disease, and adverse outcomes. This article reviews major immunosuppressed patient groups, highlights the importance of timely immune system evaluation, and discusses diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including adjunctive therapies such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, vitamin C, and micronutrients. Long-term sequelae are also addressed.