medical predisposition to infection
Last reviewed 01/2018
Medical factors predisposing to infection include:
- medical conditions: diabetes, rheumatic or congenital heart disease, asthma or other chronic lung disease, chronic renal or hepatic disease, Down's syndrome and premature or underweight infants
- immunocompromised: steroids, immunosuppressants, AIDS, connective tissue disease, cancer or leukaemia, chemotherapy (very dangerous as signs diminished)
- previous infection: rheumatic fever, TB or jaundice
- surgical conditions: gallstones, diverticular disease, prostatism and prolapse
- recent surgery or procedure, dentistry and minor injury
- family history or other close contact of infection
- medication including self-medication and blood products