immunocompromised
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a weakened or impaired immune system: The term "immunocompromised" describes a state in which the body's immune system is not functioning at its normal capacity. This makes a person more susceptible to infections and diseases that a healthy immune system could typically fight off.
Usage
- The adjective "immunocompromised" is used to describe a person, patient, or state of health. It is often used in medical and public health contexts.
- It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "is" or "are").
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- Immunocompromised patients are advised to take extra precautions during flu season.
- The vaccine may not be as effective for immunocompromised individuals.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- After the organ transplant, she was immunocompromised for several months.
- People undergoing chemotherapy are often immunocompromised.
Advanced Usage
- "to be immunocompromised": This is the most common construction, stating the condition of having a weakened immune system.
- Due to his genetic condition, he has been immunocompromised since birth.
- "to become immunocompromised": Used to describe the process or event leading to the weakened state.
- The disease can cause a person to become immunocompromised.
Variants and Related Words
- Immunocompromise (noun): The state or condition of having a weakened immune system.
- The main risk factor for the infection is severe immunocompromise.
- Immunodeficiency (noun): A specific failure or deficiency in the immune system, often used as a more technical synonym for the cause of being immunocompromised.
- Immunosuppressed (adjective): Often used interchangeably with "immunocompromised," but it can more specifically refer to a state induced by drugs or therapy that suppress the immune system.
Synonyms
- Immunodeficient: Having an immune system that is not fully functional.
- Immunosuppressed: Having a deliberately or therapeutically suppressed immune response.
Antonyms
- Immunocompetent: Having a fully functioning and effective immune system.
Adjective
- unable to develop a normal immune response usually because of malnutrition or immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive therapy