ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Pulmonary infection is a frequent consequence of immunocompromise; specific immune defects often result in infection with particular organisms and characteristic clinical features. New methods of viral and fungal detection make early recognition of potentially serious infection easier in vulnerable immunocompromised paediatric patients. This allows close monitoring of disease progression and earlier intervention. The use of new modalities of imaging and microbial detection in conjunction with new antiviral and antifungal agents, mean that early pre-emptive treatment is more likely to be successful. This chapter will review the causes of immunocompromise, more common viral and fungal infections in particular outlining new methods of early detection and the use of new anti infective agents.
