Alcoholic individuals are at increased risk of infection in general, in part because of immune defects. In addition, associated situations, such as depressed mental status, increase risk to specific syndromes such as lung abscess related to depressed consciousness and aspiration. Social factors related to hygiene and living situations are also linked to specific microorganisms, such as Mycobacteria tuberculosis, Bartonella quintana, Vibrio vulnificus, and Capnocytophaga canimorus..
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