A 45-year-old male patient who underwent a kidney transplant 6 months ago presents to the emergency department with fever, fatigue, and a productive cough. Which of the following pathogens is most likely to cause opportunistic infections in this transplant recipient?
Influenza virus
Escherichia coli
Pneumocystis jirovecii
Streptococcus pneumoniae
The correct answer is Pneumocystis jirovecii. Transplant patients are at increased risk for opportunistic infections due to their immunosuppressed state. Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) is a fungal organism that commonly causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, particularly organ transplant recipients. It's important to note that while all the listed pathogens can cause infections, Pneumocystis jirovecii is specifically associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, while a common cause of pneumonia in the general population, is less likely to be the primary concern in an immunocompromised patient. Escherichia coli typically causes urinary tract infections rather than respiratory symptoms. Influenza virus, although it can cause severe illness in immunocompromised patients, is not as specifically associated with opportunistic infections in transplant recipients as Pneumocystis jirovecii.
As an emergency nurse, it's crucial to recognize the increased susceptibility of transplant patients to opportunistic infections and consider atypical pathogens when assessing and treating these patients.
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