immunocompromised

immunocompromised /im·mu·no·com·pro·mised/ (-kom´pro-mīzd) having the immune response attenuated by administration of immunosuppressive drugs, by irradiation, by malnutrition, or by certain disease processes (e.g., cancer).

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im·mu·no·com·pro·mised (my-n-kmpr-mzd, -my-)

adj.

Incapable of developing a normal immune response, usually as a result of disease, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive therapy.

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Immunocompromised

A change or alteration of the immune system that normally serves to fight off infections and other illnesses. This can involve changes in antibodies that the body produces (hygogammaglobulinemia), or defect in the cells that partake in the immune response. Diseases such as AIDS and cancer exhibit changes in the body's natural immunity.

Mentioned in: Aspergillosis, Blastomycosis, Cat-Scratch Disease, Chickenpox, Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Cyclosporiasis, Fifth Disease, Giardiasis, Legionnaires' Disease, Listeriosis, Pseudomonas Infections, Shingles, Toxoplasmosis, Tuberculin Skin Test

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immunocompromised

[-kom′prəmīzd′]

Etymology: L, immunis, free from, compromittere, to promise mutually

pertaining to an immune response that has been weakened by a disease or an immunosuppressive agent.

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immunocompromised,

adj having the quality of an immune response that has been weakened by a disease or immunosuppressive agent.

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immunocompromised

having reduced immune responsiveness as a result of inherited defects or infection, particularly by retroviruses and herpesviruses or by administration of immunosuppressive drugs, including antilymphocyte serum, by irradiation, by malnutrition, and by certain disease processes, e.g. cancer.

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immunocompromised

adjective Immunology Having an impaired immune responsiveness caused by acquired or congenital immunodeficiency, infection–eg, HIV, TB, or chemotherapy