Etymed
immunosuppression
Definition
The reduction or inhibition of immune system function
Clinical context
A 45-year-old transplant patient presents with fever, cough, and shortness of breath two weeks after kidney transplantation. His immunosuppressive medications are increased due to suspected viral pneumonia. His CD4 count is 200 cells/µL. The patient's compromised immune system makes him susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Mnemonic
IMMUNE SUPPRESSION - 'I'nsufficient 'M'Munity, 'S'usceptible 'U'nder 'P'rocess, 'R'isk 'E'asy 'S'ick
These morphemes also unlock…
- immun/o — immune
- suppression — repression; inhibition