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Infections in immunocompromised patients

Immunocompromised patients have a weakened immune system, meaning they have fewer defenses to fight infections and diseases. This condition can result from certain illnesses (such as cancer or diabetes), specific treatments (such as chemotherapy or transplant medications), or genetic factors. As a result, they are more vulnerable to infections and require special care.

THE CHALLENGE

In recent years, the number of immunosuppressed patients has increased significantly. This is due to various factors, such as advances in oncological and hematological treatments, the rise in organ transplants, and improved identification of immunodeficiencies.

Infections are one of the leading causes of illness and mortality in these patients. To prevent infections, ensure timely diagnosis, and optimize treatment, our group is organized into three main areas of research and care: Hematology-Oncology, Solid Organ Transplantation, and Immunodeficiencies.

The Infections in Immunocompromised Patients Group was established to address this growing challenge through a highly specialized and multidisciplinary approach.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?

Prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients

Along these lines, we are working on new strategies for the prevention of tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus disease, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis B and E viruses, as well as BK and JC polyomavirus.

Special mention should be made of travellers and immigrant patients in whom screenings must take into consideration infections endemic to the country which the individual comes from or has travelled to. For this reason, a Consultation for the Prevention of Infection in the Immunocompromised Patient (CPID) has been created

Early diagnosis through the development and implementation of advanced methods

The aim is to better and more quickly recognise infections in the group of immunocompromised patients. For this reason, patients should:

  • Know their individual risk of infection.
  • Have rapid bedside and molecular techniques for a careful etiological diagnosis.
  • Have access to a day hospital.

Optimization and therapeutic innovation, enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatments

We carry out efficacy and safety studies with new therapeutic strategies, because early diagnosis and adequate, empirical and targeted antibiotic treatment lead to:

  • A reduction in mortality due to severe infection in the immunocompromised patient.
  • An increase in graft viability.
  • An improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
  • Reduction of superinfections caused by multi-resistant bacteria.

Clinical Pharmacology Service

We collaborate closely with our centre’s Clinical Pharmacology Service in the registry of serious infections in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment

LINES OF ACTION

Hematology-Oncology Area

In recent years, cancer treatments have advanced significantly, increasing patients’ life expectancy. However, many of these treatments also impact the immune system, raising the risk of infections. Our team specializes in consultative services and research projects to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections.

Solid Organ Transplantation Area

We work closely with the Renal and Pancreatic Transplant Unit at Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, one of the most active in Spain, performing over 150 kidney transplants annually. Transplant recipients receive treatments to prevent organ rejection, but these therapies also weaken their immune defenses. In this area, we focus on detecting infections before transplantation and ensuring early treatment post-transplant

Immunodeficiencies Area

We specialize in managing patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, whose numbers have increased significantly in recent years. Our goal is to identify factors that help predict the development of chronic respiratory diseases and lung damage, as well as to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of these patients

LATEST NEWS

FEATURED PROJECTS

Hemato-oncology

Carry out the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections in people who have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatment

In recent years, many advances have appeared in oncology treatments that have been able to extend the life expectancy of many people. However, these drugs, in some cases, weaken the person’s immune system, which makes it easier for infections to appear.

Organ transplant

Concretely assess patients undergoing an organ transplant process with the aim of preventing infections

We are a leading country in solid organ transplantation; kidney and pancreatic transplants are performed at our centre.

People who have received transplants are given treatments that suppress the immune system and, therefore, are patients with a higher risk of infection. Hence, these people are evaluated in our unit prior to being included on the transplant list in order to diagnose latent infectious diseases, in addition to carrying out an early diagnosis and treatment when an infectious process is already present.

MEET THE TEAM OF THIS AREA OF KNOWLEDGE

Pedro Puerta

Head of Section for Immunosuppressed Patients – Doctor and Researcher

Lluïsa Pedro-Botet

Co-Head of Section for Immunosuppressed Patients and Head of Severe Bacterial Infections – Doctor and Researcher

Rosa Benítez

Doctor and Researcher

Carme Bracke

Doctor and Researcher

Ana Peris

Doctor and Researcher

Alba Romero

Doctor and Researcher

HELP US FIGHT THIS AND OTHER INFECTIONS!

We need your support to continue conducting independent clinical research with the aim of treating and curing people with an infectious disease.