infections
Development of Infection
Malfunction of the immune system
If the immune system is not functioning well (called immunocompromise), people are more susceptible to infections. The immune system may not function well because of the following: People are born with a hereditary disorder that impairs the immune system (an Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders ). A disorder that is acquired later (such as HIV infection or cancer) weakens it. People need to take a drug that suppresses the immune system ( , including corticosteroids), such as those used to prevent a transplanted organ from being rejected, or used to reduce inflammation. 