What is covered in this topic?

Infections are opportunistic if they occur more frequently or are more severe in patients with immune compromise.

This topic covers primary prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in adults with healthcare-associated immune compromise (eg organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy). Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in adults with HIV infection is covered in Opportunistic and co-infections in adults with HIV infection. Immune compromise caused by other immunodeficiency disorders (eg primary immunodeficiency disorders), and immunocompromised children are beyond the scope of these guidelines.

While immune compromise caused by a chronic medical condition (eg diabetes, chronic kidney disease) is associated with an increased risk of infection, the role of primary prophylaxis in these conditions is beyond the scope of this topic. Chronic medical conditions further increase the risk of opportunistic infections in patients with healthcare-associated immune compromise (eg organ transplant).

For treatment and secondary prophylaxis of infections in immunocompromised patients, refer to the relevant clinical topic.

For immunisation recommendations in immunocompromised patients, see the Australian Immunisation Handbook [URL].