Author information
1 Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital.
2 St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Department of Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Sexual Health, St George Hospital, Kogarah.
3 Foundation Year 2 Doctor at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
4 Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
5 Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney.
6 School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Abstract
Immunosuppression can reactivate quiescent infection or worsen the clinical effects of infection. Mortality due to Hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation is as high as 52%, while acute hepatic flares occur in up to 11% of cancer patients with Hepatitis C (HCV) who receive chemotherapy. Cancer specific mortality is higher in HIV infected patients in certain malignancies and immunosuppression can result in prolonged CD4 suppression. The development of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome has also been reported in immunosuppressed cancer patients.