Long-term corticosteroid therapy increases infection risk because it does what?

Long-term corticosteroid therapy increases infection risk because it does what?

• A. Attracts microbes into the body.
• B. Suppresses the body's immune response.
• C. Suppresses the body's natural bacteria.
• D. Increases capillary permeability.

Answer: (B)

Long-term corticosteroid therapy increases infection risk because it dampens the body's immune defenses. Glucocorticoids blunt multiple aspects of the immune response—reducing lymphocyte activity, especially T cells; decreasing cytokine production; and impairing macrophage and neutrophil function, including migration to infection sites and phagocytosis. This overall suppression makes it harder for the body to detect, contain, and clear pathogens. The anti-inflammatory effect can also mask infection signs like fever, delaying recognition. Additionally, corticosteroids can raise blood sugar, which further impairs immune function.

Long-term corticosteroid therapy increases infection risk because it dampens the body's immune defenses. Glucocorticoids blunt multiple aspects of the immune response—reducing lymphocyte activity, especially T cells; decreasing cytokine production; and impairing macrophage and neutrophil function, including migration to infection sites and phagocytosis. This overall suppression makes it harder for the body to detect, contain, and clear pathogens. The anti-inflammatory effect can also mask infection signs like fever, delaying recognition. Additionally, corticosteroids can raise blood sugar, which further impairs immune function.