Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The population of the Top End of the Northern Territory has a high incidence of several infections of particular significance in the immunosuppressed. The following protocol for evaluation and treatment of patients prior to immunosuppression was developed in order to reduce the incidence of serious opportunistic infections. The infections discussed are Strongyloides stercoralis, tuberculosis, scabies, chronic hepatitis B, melioidosis and other bacterial infections. We recommend that all patients planned to receive more than 0.5 mg/kg/day of prednisolone for >14 days, or any more potent immunosuppressive drug, be evaluated and treated according to this protocol. Details of the rationale, evidence base, and proposed investigations and therapy for such patients are discussed.

Type

Journal

Communicable diseases intelligence quarterly report

Publication Date

01/2003

Volume

27

Pages

526 - 532

Addresses

Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, Northern Territory.

Keywords

Humans, Bacteremia, Tuberculosis, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Hepatitis B, Scabies, Strongyloidiasis, Incidence, Tropical Climate, Immunocompromised Host, Northern Territory, Practice Guidelines as Topic