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What infections are associated with multiple myeloma?

Published in Myeloma Complications 2 mins read

Multiple myeloma is strongly associated with an increased susceptibility to various infections, predominantly bacterial and viral pathogens.

Patients with multiple myeloma often experience a compromised immune system due to the disease itself and its treatments, making them particularly vulnerable to a range of infections. These infections can range from common seasonal illnesses to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Common Infections Associated with Multiple Myeloma

The most frequent types of infections encountered in individuals with multiple myeloma are bacterial and viral.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are a significant concern for myeloma patients and commonly manifest in specific ways.

  • Pneumonia: Infections of the lungs are very common, often caused by bacteria. These can lead to serious respiratory complications if not promptly treated.
  • Bacteraemia: This refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteraemia can lead to widespread infection throughout the body and is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Viral Infections

Viral infections also pose a substantial risk to patients with multiple myeloma, often presenting as more common, seasonal illnesses.

  • Seasonal Viruses: These include a range of viruses that circulate at specific times of the year.
  • Influenza (Flu): Patients with multiple myeloma are at a higher risk of severe complications from influenza, making annual vaccination crucial.
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, leads to shingles. Myeloma patients are more prone to this painful condition.

Overview of Associated Infections

To summarize, here are some of the key infections associated with multiple myeloma:

Type of Infection Specific Pathogen Examples Common Manifestations
Bacterial Various bacteria Pneumonia, Bacteraemia
Viral Influenza virus Flu-like symptoms
Varicella-zoster virus Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Other seasonal viruses Colds, respiratory infections

The heightened risk of infection in multiple myeloma patients underscores the importance of close monitoring and appropriate management strategies to mitigate these potentially severe complications.