Opportunistic infection

Approximately 400 000 adults (>600 per 100 000) living in the United Kingdom are affected by rheumatological diseases and infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in these individuals. This chapter provides an overview of the factors that potentiate infection risk within rheumatological diseases related to the diseases themselves and the treatment of the diseases. It reviews the common infections encountered and their aetiologies and management. Importantly it also focuses on preventable measures that should be undertaken, such as care of vascular access devices, vaccinations, immunizations, and prophylactic antimicrobials.