Update in Host Defence Mechanisms

Infection is a major problem in general and some specialized Intensive Therapy Units (ITU). A number of patients are admitted to ITU suffering from lifethreatening infection while others become infected during the course of treatment of unrelated conditions. Irrespective of the reason for admission, the majority of patients whose stay in the ITU exceeds a few days, become infected to a greater or lesser extent. In the case of multiple trauma, more than 80% of late mortality in one series [1] was associated with, if not caused by, infection.