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Medical record review of patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital over 20-years, revealed that pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia infection is a rare but persistent risk for patients with rheumatic diseases.
The study provides new evidence that a bacterium known to cause chronic inflammatory gum infections also triggers the inflammatory autoimmune response characteristic of chronic, joint-destroying rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The new findings have important implications for prevention and treatment of RA.
Vaccines have been scientifically proven to save lives, increase lifespans, and maintain quality of life. Currently, only 39% of adults receive an annual flu shot. There are specific steps that can be taken to improve the vaccination rate. This is especially important in the immuno-compromised population.