Viral pneumonias

PREVIEW

Viruses are an important cause of pneumonia in patients whose immune systems have been weakened by conditions such as HIV infection, primary or acquired immunodeficiency disease, and neoplastic disease or by procedures such as chemotherapy, irradiation, and bone marrow or organ transplantation. Here, Drs Chien and Johnson discuss five such pathogens. Part 1 of this article, in the January issue, focused on the multifaceted approach to diagnosis of viral pneumonias. Part 3, in the March issue, will cover viral pneumonia due to epidemic respiratory viruses.