HAART时代HIV/AIDS住院病人机会性感染疾病谱分析

目的了解高效抗反转录病毒治疗(HAART)时代,住院艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)病人(简称HIV/AIDS病人)机会性感染疾病谱的特征和变化。方法回顾性调查并分析2012年1月1日至2015年12月31日,在南宁第四人民医院感染病区的住院HIV/AIDS病人的人口学特征,实验室检查结果,机会性感染、合并疾病及预后等。结果共调查符合标准的住院HIV/AIDS病人6 222例,年龄中位数48岁,共诊断合并疾病19 712例次,其中机会性感染13 802次(70.02%)。细菌性肺炎(44.17%)、肺结核(34.73%)、口腔念珠菌感染(31.36%)、马尔尼菲青霉菌病(17.52%)、肺外结核(16.68%)、真菌性肺炎(14.27%)、肺孢子菌肺炎(8.65%)、巨细胞病毒感染(4.61%)、单纯疱疹(3,57%)、带状疱疹感染(3.23%)为病人住院治疗的主要机会性感染。非HIV相关疾病有电解质紊乱(14.51%)及肝功能异常(10.38%)、高血压及心脏病(7.23%)、乙型肝炎(6.49%)、皮炎(6.28%)等。HIV相关肿瘤有淋巴瘤65例、宫颈癌32例、卡波西肉瘤40例,非HIV相关肿瘤284例。住院期间死亡604例(9.71%),自动出院608例(9.77%),平均住院(17±26)日。住院前接受HAART有2 393例(38.46%),治疗方案主要为拉米夫定(3TC)+替诺福韦(TDF)+依非韦仑(EFV)(13.37%),齐多夫定(AZT)+3TC+EFV(11.99%),AZT+3TC+奈韦拉平(NVP)(11.37%)。结论广西南部地区的HIV/AIDS病人住院原因主要为机会性感染,老年男性病人比率高。常见疾病为细菌性肺炎、肺结核、口腔念珠菌感染等,马尔尼菲青霉菌病有地域特色,需加强艾滋病防护知识宣教、早期筛查及纳入HAART。     

HAART时代HIV/AIDS住院病人机会性感染疾病谱分析北大核心CSCD

目的了解高效抗反转录病毒治疗（HAART）时代,住院艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染者/艾滋病（AIDS）病人（简称HIV/AIDS病人）机会性感染疾病谱的特征和变化。方法回顾性调查并分析2012年1月1日至2015年12月31日,在南宁第四人民医院感染病区的住院HIV/AIDS病人的人口学特征,实验室检查结果,机会性感染、合并疾病及预后等。结果共调查符合标准的住院HIV/AIDS病人6 222例,年龄中位数48岁,共诊断合并疾病19 712例次,其中机会性感染13 802次（70.02%）。细菌性肺炎（44.17%）、肺结核（34.73%）、口腔念珠菌感染（31.36%）、马尔尼菲青霉菌病（17.52%）、肺外结核（16.68%）、真菌性肺炎（14.27%）、肺孢子菌肺炎（8.65%）、巨细胞病毒感染（4.61%）、单纯疱疹（3,57%）、带状疱疹感染（3.23%）为病人住院治疗的主要机会性感染。非HIV相关疾病有电解质紊乱（14.51%）及肝功能异常（10.38%）、高血压及心脏病（7.23%）、乙型肝炎（6.49%）、皮炎（6.28%）等。HIV相关肿瘤有淋巴瘤65例、宫颈癌32例、卡波西肉瘤40例,非HIV相关肿瘤284例。住院期间死亡604例（9.71%）,自动出院608例（9.77%）,平均住院（17±26）日。住院前接受HAART有2 393例（38.46%）,治疗方案主要为拉米夫定（3TC）＋替诺福韦（TDF）＋依非韦仑（EFV）（13.37%）,齐多夫定（AZT）＋3TC＋EFV（11.99%）,AZT＋3TC＋奈韦拉平（NVP）（11.37%）。结论广西南部地区的HIV/AIDS病人住院原因主要为机会性感染,老年男性病人比率高。常见疾病为细菌性肺炎、肺结核、口腔念珠菌感染等,马尔尼菲青霉菌病有地域特色,需加强艾滋病防护知识宣教、早期筛查及纳入HAART。     

HIV/AIDS病人治疗过程中免疫重建综合征的初步观察

目的 探讨艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)病人经高效抗逆转录病毒治疗(HAART)后,最初3个月的免疫重建综合征问题. 方法 对收治的HIV/AIDS病人,在抗病毒治疗的前3个月内的临床症状、CD 4 T淋巴细胞计数及病毒载量进行描述. 结果 27例接受HAART的HIV/AIDS病人中,治疗的前3个月CD 4 T淋巴细胞均上升,病毒载量下降有的甚至检测不到,出现免疫重建综合征12例;并发肺炎6例(细菌性4例、霉菌性2例),卡氏肺囊虫肺炎(PCP)3例,巨细胞病毒(CMV)感染1例,结核6例(颈部淋巴结结核3例,肠结核1例,结核性胸膜炎1例,血行播散型结核并脑膜炎1例),带状疱疹1例. 结论 HAART可使免疫重建,包括CD 4 T淋巴细胞功能上升、病毒载量下降和其他的治疗益处,同时也会激活一些接受抗病毒治疗HIV/AIDS病人的炎症反应.     

河南省经血感染艾滋病病人机会感染疾病谱分布

目的探讨河南省经血感染艾滋病(AIDS)病人机会感染疾病谱的分布状况。方法对2000年7月-2010年12月,在郑州市第六人民医院治疗的2 027例AIDS病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 (1)2 027例病人共发生3 613例次机会感染,主要为呼吸系统(76.17%)和消化系统感染(47.95%),最常见的机会感染依次为细菌性肺炎(35.22%)、口腔念珠菌感染(32.17%)、肺结核(20.37%)、肺孢子菌肺炎(PCP)(15.29%)。(2)其中的711例病人按CD4细胞计数不同分5组,PCP和各种感染性腹泻在CD4<50个/mm3组所占比例最高(30.82%、23.29%),口腔念珠菌感染和隐球菌脑膜炎在50～99个/mm3组比例最高(33.63%、6.19%),肺结核在100～199个/mm3组比例最高(28.68%),各种痒疹在200～349个/mm3组比例最高(17.24%)。按合并机会感染数量不同分5组,各组CD4细胞计数相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 AIDS病人机会感染疾病谱因国家、地区和人种不同,甚至传播途径不同有所差异,各种机会感染的发病比例在不同CD4水平有所不同;随着CD4细胞计数下降,发生机会感染的数量逐渐增加。     

成人HIV/AIDS病人HAART前血小板减少的发生率及相关因素分析

目的描述成人艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)病人(简称HIV/AIDS病人)在高效抗病毒治疗(HAART)前,发生血小板减少的基本特征,探讨HIV合并血小板减少的发生率及相关因素。方法以2003年6月至2015年12月,在北京地坛医院门诊就诊的3452例HIV/AIDS病人为研究对象,比较HAART前不同基本情况[人口学资料、身体质量指数(BMI)、CD4+T淋巴细胞(简称CD4细胞)计数、病毒载量、是否合并机会性感染及症状体征、其他混合性感染的合并情况及是否服用复方新诺明(SMZ-TMP)情况]的血小板减少的发生率,通过Logistic回归分析HIV/AIDS病人合并血小板减少症的相关因素。结果 HAART前合并血小板减少的有137例(3.97%),其中轻度104例(3.01%),中度19例(0.55%),重度14例(0.41%)。血小板减少的发生率随CD4细胞计数的增加而降低(P0.001)。HAART前HIV RNA≥105拷贝/mL[调整OR值(AOR)=1.903,95%CI:1.125~3.218,P=0.016],CD4细胞计数≤50个/μL(AOR=8.828,95%CI:2.939~26.519,P0.001)及CD4细胞计数51~199个/μL(AOR=3.714,95%CI:1.317~10.479,P=0.013),HBsAg+(AOR=4.949,95%CI:2.372~10.323,P0.001)是发生血小板减少的危险因素。结论成人HIV/AIDS病人HAART前血小板减少发生率较低。低基线CD4细胞计数、高基线病毒载量及合并乙型肝炎是HAART前发生血小板减少的相关因素,因此对存在这些危险因素的病人及早的诊断和治疗是必须的。     

成人HIV/AIDS病人HAART前血小板减少的发生率及相关因素分析北大核心

目的描述成人艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染者/艾滋病（AIDS）病人（简称HIV/AIDS病人）在高效抗病毒治疗（HAART）前,发生血小板减少的基本特征,探讨HIV合并血小板减少的发生率及相关因素。方法以2003年6月至2015年12月,在北京地坛医院门诊就诊的3452例HIV/AIDS病人为研究对象,比较HAART前不同基本情况[人口学资料、身体质量指数（BMI）、CD4^＋T淋巴细胞（简称CD4细胞）计数、病毒载量、是否合并机会性感染及症状体征、其他混合性感染的合并情况及是否服用复方新诺明（SMZ-TMP）情况]的血小板减少的发生率,通过Logistic回归分析HIV/AIDS病人合并血小板减少症的相关因素。结果 HAART前合并血小板减少的有137例（3.97%）,其中轻度104例（3.01%）,中度19例（0.55%）,重度14例（0.41%）。血小板减少的发生率随CD4细胞计数的增加而降低（P〈0.001）。HAART前HIV RNA≥105拷贝/mL[调整OR值（AOR）=1.903,95%CI：1.125-3.218,P=0.016],CD4细胞计数≤50个/μL（AOR=8.828,95%CI：2.939-26.519,P〈0.001）及CD4细胞计数51-199个/μL（AOR=3.714,95%CI：1.317-10.479,P=0.013）,HBsAg＋（AOR=4.949,95%CI：2.372-10.323,P〈0.001）是发生血小板减少的危险因素。结论成人HIV/AIDS病人HAART前血小板减少发生率较低。低基线CD4细胞计数、高基线病毒载量及合并乙型肝炎是HAART前发生血小板减少的相关因素,因此对存在这些危险因素的病人及早的诊断和治疗是必须的。     

HIV/AIDS病人高效抗逆转录病毒治疗效果的临床评价

目的 评价目前高效抗逆转录病毒治疗(HAART)方案的疗效. 方法 应用国家免费提供的抗病毒治疗药品,对符合治疗条件的艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)病人进行规范的抗病毒治疗,并检测病人的病毒载量及CD 4T淋巴细胞. 结果 对接受HAART 12个月后的98例病人测定病毒载量,平均病毒载量为(2.03±0.17)log10拷贝/ml,其中53人(58.24%)治疗24个月后血浆中检测不到HIV.98例病人的CD 4T淋巴细胞均不同程度升高,平均增高(197.27±51.71)个/μl(19～506个/μl);治疗2年以上者CD 4T淋巴细胞平均升高(235.92±77.45)个/μl.病人机会性感染得到明显控制,能从事中重度体力劳动的比例,由治疗前的15.31%上升到治疗后的32.65%. 结论 抗病毒治疗效果显著,HIV/AIDS病人生活质量得到明显改善.符合治疗条件的病人应及早进行规范的抗病毒治疗.     

山东省608例HIV/AIDS病人抗病毒治疗结果分析

目的了解2003-2010年山东省接受艾滋病抗病毒治疗且目前仍在治疗的艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染者/艾滋病（AIDS）病人（HIV/AIDS病人）的治疗结果。方法收集2010年12月底前开始接受AIDS抗病毒治疗且目前仍在治的HIV/AIDS病人的随访资料,描述分析其一般情况,治疗前和治疗后不同时间段的CD4＋T淋巴细胞计数、病毒载量和机会性感染发生状况等。结果山东省2003-2010年接受AIDS抗病毒治疗且目前仍在治疗的HIV/AIDS病人608例,其中男性占65.6%（399/608）,女性占34.4%（209/608）,平均年龄为（40.2±10.2）岁,已婚或同居者占65.5%（398/608）;感染途径以异性性接触感染为主,占44.9%（273/608）,其次是同性性接触感染,占21.1%（128/608）;有182例更换了抗病毒治疗药物,占29.9%,换药主要原因为药物不良反应。基线时CD4＋T淋巴细胞平均计数≤200个/μL的占65.8%,200～350个/μL的占33.0%,≥350个/μL的占1.2%,同基线时相比,治疗前、治疗3个月、6个月、1年、2年、3年时CD4＋T淋巴细胞计数均有增加（P〈0.05）。治疗后病毒载量低于检出限的比例增高,机会性感染发生率降低。结论抗病毒治疗可有效提高HIV/AIDS病人的免疫力,有利于提高其生命质量。     

115例首诊HIV/AIDS住院病人口腔临床特点分析

目的了解首诊艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)(简称HIV/AIDS)住院病人的口腔临床特点。方法回顾性分析2015年6-11月在北京地坛医院115例首诊HIV/AIDS住院病人的临床资料,包括年龄、性别、感染途径、首发症状、全身及口腔机会性感染情况和CD4+T淋巴细胞(简称CD4细胞)计数等,通过Excel建立数据库,进行描述性分析。结果 115例首诊HIV/AIDS病人中,7例(6.1%)以口腔症状首诊,表现为口腔异物感4例(3.5%),口腔黏膜疼痛2例(1.7%),颌下肿物1例(0.9%)。106例(92.2%)发生了机会性感染,40例(34.8%)发生口腔机会性感染,CD4细胞计数范围1~218个/μL,包括口腔念珠菌感染37例(32.3%),口腔卡波西肉瘤4例(3.5%),口腔阿弗他溃疡2例(1.7%),口腔单纯疱疹1例(0.9%),颌下淋巴瘤1例(0.9%)。结论机会性感染是首诊HIV/AIDS病人住院的主要原因,其中口腔机会性感染发生率较高,病人可因口腔症状和体征首诊,临床医生应重视口腔检查,熟悉艾滋病相关口腔病损的临床特点,避免漏诊。     

AIDS合并机会性感染患者85例临床分析

目的探讨缓解AIDS患者症状,减少机会性感染发生,提高生活质量,延长生命的方法和措施。方法分析总结85例艾滋病合并机会性感染患者的临床资料。结果 85例AIDS患者机会性感染的病原体以细菌、病毒和真菌感染为主,肺结核31例(36.5%),卡氏肺孢子菌肺炎28例(32.9%),细菌性肺炎13例(15.3%),口腔念珠菌感染12例(14.1%),细菌性肠炎13例(15.3%),皮肤感染者11例(12.9%);住院治疗期间患者死亡12例,住院死亡率为14.12%。结论艾滋病机会性感染种类多,临床表现复杂多样;适时抗病毒治疗可重建艾滋病患者免疫系统,减少机会性感染的发生,提高患者生活质量,延长生命。     

Opportunistic Diseases in HIV-Infected Patients in Gabon following the Administration of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Retrospective Study

Opportunistic diseases cause substantial morbidity and mortality to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) leading to immune reconstitution is the most effective treatment of preventing opportunistic diseases. This retrospective study established an epidemiologic profile of opportunistic diseases 10 years after the introduction of HAART. The HIV antiretroviral therapy-naive patients matching inclusion criteria were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of opportunistic diseases. From January 1, 2002 to September 30, 2010, 654 opportunistic diseases were identified in 458 patients. Pulmonary tuberculosis, herpes zoster, cerebral toxoplasmosis, oral candidiasis, and severe pneumonia accounted for 22.05%, 15.94%, 14.19%, 14.19%, and 9.39%, respectively. Cryptococcal meningitis and pneumocystosis accounted for 0.44% and 0.21%, respectively. The prevalence of opportunistic diseases in Gabon remains high. New guidelines emphasize the importance of initiating antiretroviral therapy early to reconstitute the immune system, and reduce disease risk, and treat the primary opportunistic infection of pulmonary tuberculosis.     

Opportunistic and other infections in HIV-infected children in Latin America compared to a similar cohort in the United States

Opportunistic and other infections have declined since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in developed countries but few studies have addressed the impact of HAART in HIV-infected children from developing countries. This study examines the prevalence and incidence of opportunistic and other infections in Latin America during the HAART era. Vertically HIV-infected children enrolled in a cohort study between 2002 and 2007 were followed for the occurrence of 29 targeted infections. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to calculate the prevalence of infections before enrollment and the incidence rates of opportunistic and other infections after enrollment. Comparisons were made with data from a U.S. cohort (PACTG 219C). Of the 731 vertically HIV-infected children 568 (78%) had at least one opportunistic or other infection prior to enrollment. The most prevalent infections were bacterial pneumonia, oral candidiasis, varicella, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. After enrollment, the overall incidence was 23.5 per 100 person-years; the most common infections (per 100 person-years) were bacterial pneumonia (7.8), varicella (3.0), dermatophyte infections (2.9), herpes simplex (2.5), and herpes zoster (1.8). All of these incidence rates were higher than those reported in PACTG 219C. The types and relative distribution of infections among HIV-infected children in Latin America in this study are similar to those seen in the United States but the incidence rates are higher. Further research is necessary to determine the reasons for these higher rates.     

AIDS抗病毒治疗6个月内机会性感染的变化和分布状况

目的 探讨对AIDS患者进行高效抗反转录病毒治疗6个月内机会性感染的变化和分布状况.方法 使用统一的调查表进行回顾性和前瞻性研究.调查表的内容涉及患者编号、性别、年龄、治疗开始时间、治疗方案、开始抗病毒治疗前3个月、治疗后2周内、2周～3个月和3～6个月出现机会性感染的情况及基线、治疗3个月和治疗6个月CD4+T淋巴细...     

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome among HIV/AIDS patients during highly active antiretroviral therapy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Suppression of viral replication is followed by increases in CD4+ lymphocytes, and this has been shown to result in decreased susceptibility to opportunists after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, clinical aggravations after the initiation of HAART have been thought to be due to the restored ability to mount an inflammatory response, or the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The degree of IRIS observed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients following initiation of HAART is variable. This prospective study was aimed at determining the proportion of IRIS and the pattern of opportunistic infections among 186 HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART between December 2006 and July 2007 at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The proportion of IRIS was 17.2% (32/186). The mean number of days of IRIS occurrence for each disease ranged from 26 to 122 days with a mean of 80. Opportunistic diseases associated with IRIS were tuberculosis (68.8%, 22/32), herpes zoster rash (12.5%, 4/32), cryptococcosis (9.4%, 3/32), toxoplasmosis (6.3%, 2/32) and bacterial pneumonia (3.1%, 1/32). Compared to baseline readings there were significant increases in CD4 count, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels while hemoglobin values decreased during the development of IRIS. In summary, the proportion of IRIS and the pattern of opportunistic infections in HAART-treated patients in Ethiopia mirrored those reported in other countries. Further prospective surveys on epidemiological, immunological, microbial and clinical studies are imperative to assess the proportion and pattern of IRIS and effect of HAART in Ethiopia.     

Opportunistic Infections and Other AIDS-defining Illnesses in Poland in 2000–2002

Abstract Background: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) led to a decreased incidence of the most severe opportunistic infections (OIs) in HIV-infected patients. In Poland, HAART became widely used in 1998. Materials and Methods: This study was based on data from medical records data collected in the years 2000–2002 from medical centers for HIV-infected patients in Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) and other AIDS defining illnesses (ADIs). The χ² test was used to determine any significant trends. Results: The incidence of ADIs was 6.8, 6.5 and 4.8/100 persons/year in 2000–2002, respectively. The most common diagnosed OIs were: fungal infections, tuberculosis, recurrent pneumonia, PCP and toxoplasmosis. In patients receiving HAART (HAART+) the incidence of ADIs was significantly lower than in non-ARV-treated as well as in all HIV+ (p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant decrease in the incidence of ADIs in HAART+ patients between 2000 and 2002 (p < 0.0001) was observed. From 25% to 30% of ADIs among HAART+ patients were diagnosed within the first 3 months of antiretroviral therapy. In HAART+ patients the most common ADIs were fungal infections and tuberculosis. The diagnosis of ADIs resulted in the recognition of HIV status in 8.7–8.9% of patients. Conclusions: Five years after the introduction of HAART the incidence of ADIs had declined. Fungal infections and tuberculosis were the most common OIs in HIV+ patients in Poland.     

Epidemiology and risk of pulmonary disease

Although pulmonary diseases are important causes of illness and death in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, advances in treatment and the demographics of HIV-infected populations are changing their incidence and manifestations. The rates of acquires immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)- related mortality and opportunistic infections have fallen drastically since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996. The risk of developing specific disorders is related to the degree of immunosuppression, HIV risk group, area of residence, and use of antiretroviral treatments and prophylaxis against common infections. HIV-infected drug users are at increased risk for developing bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis. Bronchitis and sinusitis occur commonly in the general population, but more frequently in HIV-infected persons. With progressive immunocompromise, the risk of developing bacterial pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and tuberculosis increases.     

Pulmonary infections in the HIV-infected patient in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: An update

The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era began in 1996 when the combination of multiple antiretroviral agents was found to improve outcomes in HIV-infected patients. HAART has made a tremendous impact on the progression of HIV and on the morbidity and mortality associated with its opportunistic infections. HIV-positive patients who respond to HAART have a decreased incidence of opportunistic infections. Studies have documented close to a 50% decline in the incidence of pneumocystis pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia with the use of antiretroviral therapy. Primary and secondary prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia can be discontinued in patients who show a sustained response to antiretroviral therapy. Unique to the HAART era, immune reconstitution syndrome is characterized by a paradoxical deterioration of a preexisting infection that is temporally related to the recovery of the immune system. Recently, more and more patients are being admitted for non-AIDS related illnesses in the HAART era.     

Discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis for opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND: Immune reconstitution following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) has lead to a remarkable reduction in the incidence of opportunistic infections (OI) in subjects with advanced HIV disease. Moreover, discontinuation of primary prophylaxis for some OI can be attempted without risk in patients experiencing a favourable response to treatment. However, data on the feasibility of discontinuing secondary prophylaxis are much more scarce, and restricted mainly to the withdrawal of maintenance treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical outcome at 18 months in HIV-infected patients in whom discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis, for different OI, was recommended 3 months after the introduction of HAART, if both CD4 counts > 100 x 10(6) CD4 lymphocytes/l and plasma HIV-RNA < 500 copies/ml had been achieved. RESULTS: Fifty-three subjects were analysed. Secondary chemoprophylaxis was discontinued for the following OI: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (n = 29), cerebral toxoplasmosis (n = 9), disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection (n = 7), CMV retinitis (n = 5), recurrent oroesophageal candidiasis (n = 5), Visceral leishmaniasis (n = 2), recurrent herpes zoster (n = 2), and chronic mucocutaneous herpes simplex infection (n = 1). In six individuals, OI prophylaxis was discontinued for two or more entities. Only two episodes of OI were recorded in these individuals during 18 months of follow-up. One developed tuberculous lymphadenitis despite having a good response to treatment, and another suffered a new episode of PCP after voluntary treatment interruption for 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: Secondary prophylaxis for OI can be attempted without major risk in HIV-infected patients experiencing a favourable response to HAART. The benefit of this intervention should reduce costs, drug side-effects and pharmacologic interactions, and indirectly will improve patient's quality of life and adherence to antiretroviral treatment.     

Changes in the clinical spectrum of opportunistic illnesses in persons with HIV infection in Taiwan in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

We compared changes in the relative frequencies of opportunistic illnesses (OIs) among 1,044 Taiwanese persons with HIV infection who were enrolled in three study periods from June 1994 to June 2004: before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); early HAART; and late HAART. Nearly two-thirds of those newly diagnosed with HIV infection had CD4 counts below 200/mm(3). Among a total of 1,182 OIs, candidiasis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and tuberculosis were the most common in all three study periods within 3 months after enrollment. Within 3 to 12 months after enrollment, the number of OIs declined significantly. Only 81 cases of OIs were diagnosed, the most common of which were cytomegalovirus disease, tuberculosis, candidiasis, and Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Except for the decreasing frequency of Kaposi's sarcoma, there was no significant change in the relative frequency of each individual OI within 3 months and within 3-12 months after enrollment across the three study periods. We concluded that despite the significant decrease in the number of AIDS-related OIs, the relative frequencies of common OIs did not change significantly after the introduction of HAART.