Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Throughout the epidemic, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) has been the most common AIDS-defining opportunistic infection in the United States. With the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and prophylaxis in patients known to be at risk, the incidence of PCP in patients with AIDS has declined dramatically. However, it is still seen regularly in patients with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, those who do not comply with prophylactic medications, and in occasional cases of failure of prophylaxis. Despite many years of study, our understanding of the biology, ecology, and pathogenesis of PCP is inadequate. Clinically, PCP in AIDS tends to be a less acute and milder illness than PCP in other types of immunocompromised hosts. Although the radiograph typically shows bilateral diffuse granular opacities, many other patterns are seen. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the preferred drug for treating and preventing PCP, but toxicity limits its use. The choice of treatment is influenced by the severity of illness and relative toxicities of antipneumocystis agents. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy is recommended for patients with moderate or severe disease. The success of HAART has prompted investigators to question whether prophylaxis against PCP and other opportunistic infections is necessary in patients who respond with a rise in CD4 lymphocyte counts and suppression of HIV replication.     

Pneumocystis carinii and cytomegalovirus pneumonia after corticosteroid therapy in acute severe alcoholic hepatitis: 2 case reports

Most cases of infections described after steroid treatment for severe acute alcoholic hepatitis are of bacterial origin. However, the rate of bacterial infections in these patients is not higher than in those who are not treated by steroids. The opportunistic infections are even more rare. We report two cases of patients with cirrhosis and human immunodeficiency virus, treated for alcoholic hepatitis with steroids and who subsequently developed severe pneumopathy due to Pneumocystis carinii. One patient had a concommitant cytomegalovirus infection and both of them died. Pneumocystis carinii infections usually occur in patients a decreased immune cellular response. Steroid treatments and also alcohol may be responsible for these opportunistic infections. Alcohol may have an immunosuppressive effect by decreasing recruitment of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes to the lungs. In conclusion, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a potential complication of steroid treatments for acute alcoholic hepatitis and should be suspected in case of unexplained pulmonary infection.     

Can chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections be discontinued after an increase in CD4 cells induced by highly active antiretroviral therapy?

BACKGROUND: In the 'USPHS/IDSA Guidelines for Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus', the indications for chemoprophylaxis are based on nadir CD4 cell count. Many patients have, however, experienced an increase in CD4 cell count after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). OBJECTIVES: To assess incidences of opportunistic infections after discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis in HIV-infected patients, who have experienced a HAART-induced increase in CD4 cell count. METHODS: The Danish guidelines for chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients were revised in late 1997, allowing discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis after initiation of HAART if the CD4 cell count remained above a specified limit for more than 6 months. Consecutive patients were followed, and incidences of opportunistic infections after discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients discontinued Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)-chemoprophylaxis (12% maintenance therapy). One case of PCP was diagnosed within 174 person-years (PY) of follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 0.6 cases/100 PY follow-up (95% confidence interval, 0.0-3.2). No cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus chorioretinitis, or disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection were observed. Follow-up time for these was, however, limited. CONCLUSION: PCP-chemoprophylaxis can be safely discontinued after HAART-induced increase in CD4 cell count to more than 200 x 10(6) cells/l. Among consecutive patients who discontinue chemoprophylaxis according to well-defined guidelines, the observed incidence of PCP is below those reported earlier in patients with similar CD4 cell count.     

Pneumocystisjiroveci pneumonia and pneumomediastinum in an anti-TNFα naive patient with ulcerative colitis

We report the case of a 21-year-old man who was noted to have pneumomediastinum during an admission for an acute flare of ulcerative colitis. At that time, he was on maintenance treatment with azathioprine at a dose of 2.25 mg/kg per day, and had not received supplementary steroids for 9 mo. He had never received anti-tumor necrosis factor （TNF）α therapy. Shortly after apparently effective treatment with intravenous steroids and an increased dose of azathioprine, he developed worsening colitic and new respiratory symptoms, and was diagnosed with Pneumocystis jiroveci （carinii） pneumonia （PCP）. Pneumomediastinum is rare in immunocompetent hosts, but is a recognized complication of PCP in human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） patients, although our patient＇s HIV test was negative. Treatment of PCP with co-trimoxazole resulted in resolution of both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, without the need to increase the steroid dose. There is increasing vigilance for opportunistic infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease following the advent of anti-TNFα therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of considering the possibility of such infections in all patients with inflammatory bowel disease, irrespective of the immunosuppressants they receive, and highlights the potential of steroid-responsive opportunistic infections to mimic worsening colitic symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis.     

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients in the HAART era

Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of opportunistic infections (OI) in patients with HIV has markedly decreased. Despite this, there are still large numbers of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) cases at Cook County Hospital (CCH). To better understand this patient group, we performed a retrospective chart review of 120 pathologically proven cases of PCP from January 1998 to June 2001. One hundred four patients were included in the study. Sixty-nine percent of our patients were active substance abusers and 50% had previous knowledge of HIV disease. Of our patients, fewer than 5% were on HAART or PCP prophylaxis on study admission. The overall mortality rate was 14%. Of discharged patients, 65% were placed on HAART therapy and 59% of these achieved a viral load of less than 1000 copies per milliliter in the year postdischarge. Patients who failed to achieve a viral load less than 1000 copies per milliliter were more likely active substance abusers or had a viral load greater than 100,000 copies per milliliter prior to study admission. Our study shows that patients are still being admitted with PCP in the HAART era. Active substance abuse and failure to recognize HIV status contributed heavily to this late presentation of HIV disease. An aggressive approach toward HIV identification and substance abuse treatment may decrease admissions to the hospital for PCP and improve response to HAART therapy.     

Pulmonary infections in children with HIV infection

The epidemic of pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States, which peaked during the mid-1980s and early 1990s, was characterized by a variety of opportunistic infections in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), often as the presenting illness of their HIV infection. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) during infancy was responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, followed by many other opportunistic infections, including recurrent, serious bacterial infections; disseminated cytomegalovirus infection; and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Many of these infections involve the lower respiratory tract either as a primary site of infection or as one of the sites involved in disseminated disease. Since the mid- to late 1990s, the pediatric HIV epidemic in the United States has witnessed a dramatic decrease in the frequency of most opportunistic infections and other severe manifestations of HIV infection in children, primarily because of lower rates of mother-to-child HIV transmission, development and implementation of guidelines for PCP prophylaxis, and availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Far fewer children are at risk for clinical progression of HIV disease and for opportunistic infections. Despite these successful trends, pulmonary opportunistic infections and pulmonary disease remain common clinical manifestations of pediatric HIV disease.     

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.     

Acute peritonitis as presentations of tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-infected man

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is particularly observed after the start of therapy for pathogenic antigens in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although tuberculosis (TB)-associated IRIS is the most common form, its presentation as a primary feature of acute peritonitis is extraordinarily rare. We report a 43-year-old man diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pulmonary TB coinfection. His symptoms, sputum quantity, and chest radiologic appearance improved markedly after 3 weeks of antituberculous therapy, and HAART was initiated on the fourth week. However, acute abdomen with peritoneal signs resulting from the established tuberculous peritonitis developed on the seventh day of HAART. His clinical symptoms resolved after maintenance of HAART and antituberculous regimens. Tuberculous peritonitis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in HIV-infected patients on antiviral therapy, especially in patients with known underlying TB. Early recognition of IRIS is important when managing HIV-infected patients with opportunistic infections.     

Reappraisal of the aetiology and prognostic factors of severe acute respiratory failure in HIV patients.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy with protease inhibitors in 1996 has changed the morbidity and mortality of acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. Therefore, the aetiologies and prognostic factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with life-threatening respiratory failure requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission need to be reassessed. From 1993 to 1998, we prospectively evaluated 57 HIV patients (mean+/-SEM age 36.5+/-1.3 yrs) admitted to the ICU showing pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory failure. A total of 21 and 30 patients were diagnosed as having Pneumocystis carinii and bacterial pneumonia, respectively, of whom 13 and eight died during their ICU stay (p=0.01). Both groups of patients had similar age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and severity in respiratory failure. The number of cases with bacterial pneumonia admitted to ICU decreased after 1996 (p=0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that (APACHE) II score >17, serum albumin level <25 g.(-1), and diagnosis of P. carinii pneumonia were the only factors at entry associated with ICU mortality (p=0.02). Patients with bacterial pneumonia are less frequently admitted to the intensive care unit after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy with protease inhibitors in 1996. Compared to the previous series, it was observed that the few Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia patients that need intensive care still have a bad prognosis.     

艾滋病抗病毒治疗后机会感染的变化和分布状况

目的探讨艾滋病(AIDS)抗病毒治疗后机会感染疾病谱的变化及分布状况。方法采用回顾性分析的方法,对2006年9月-2008年12月期间,在郑州市第六人民医院接受门诊及住院治疗的128例HIV/AIDS病人,抗病毒治疗前后机会感染发生情况进行总结分析。结果 (1)128例HIV/AIDS病人中,高效抗反转录病毒疗法(HAART)治疗3-12月期间共发生100例次机会感染,主要为呼吸系统(46.09%)和消化系统(11.72%)感染,其中前4位机会感染是细菌性肺炎(29.69%)、肺结核(9.38%)、口腔念珠菌感染(7.81%)、带状疱疹(3.91%);与HAART治疗前相比,治疗后机会感染中细菌性肺炎、肺结核占绝大多数(86.46%),存在一定比例的口腔念珠菌感染和带状疱疹,AIDS晚期常见的机会感染如肺孢子菌肺炎、感染性腹泻及消耗综合征、中枢神经系统病变发病明显减少。(2)128例HIV/AIDS病人HAART治疗前机会感染发病率为80.47%,治疗后3-6月时下降至28.13%,治疗6-12月时为25.89%,3组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。HAART治疗后同时合并多种机会感染的病例减少。结论 HAART治疗后的机会感染发病率明显下降,机会感染疾病谱较治疗前有所不同,同时合并多种机会感染的几率减少。     

Pulmonary manifestations of HIV infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the spectrum of HIV-related pulmonary disease seen by a university medical center Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Service has changed since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: A tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: All HIV-infected patients referred to the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Service from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1995 (era 1) and from July 1, 1997, through June 30, 2000 (era 2). INTERVENTIONS: Inpatient and outpatient charts were reviewed for data regarding patient demographics, CD4 cell counts, viral load levels, duration of HIV seropositivity, history of opportunistic infections, and final diagnosis. RESULTS: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) was less common in the HAART era than in the pre-HAART era, whereas bacterial pneumonia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were more common in the HAART era than in the pre-HAART era. HAART was protective against PCP (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.89) in a manner dependent on the CD4 cell count. Patients receiving HAART were at increased risk for the development of bacterial pneumonia (OR, 2.41; CI, 1.12 to 5.17) and NHL (OR, 15.11; CI, 3.14 to 28.32). A history of PCP indicated a risk factor for bacterial pneumonia (OR, 2.14; CI, 1.13 to 4.04). A history of cytomegalovirus infection indicated a risk factor for NHL (OR, 6.0; CI, 1.27 to 28.32). CONCLUSIONS: There have been significant changes in the spectrum of HIV-related pulmonary complications seen by our Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Service in the HAART era.     

Immune mediated 'HAART' attack during treatment for tuberculosis. Highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) suppresses viral replication and improves immune function. However the inflammatory component of immune restoration can have clinically deleterious effects on previously asymptomatic infections. We report the development of acute respiratory failure in a patient after the institution of HAART, following 2 months of appropriate therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis. Necrotizing granulomas with acid-fast bacilli were found on lung biopsy, but cultures were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and no other pathogens were isolated. Polymerase chain reaction of lung biopsy tissue for all mycobacterial species was positive only for M. tuberculosis. Rapid clinical improvement followed corticosteroid therapy. After initiating HAART, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of an inflammatory response to a previously quiescent tuberculous infection, even while on antituberculosis therapy.     

A case of pneumocystis pneumonia after cessation of secondary prophylaxis

Improvement in the immunological and virological profile of HIV-infected population during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has allowed guidelines on discontinuation of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis to be published. A case of a 37-year-old homosexual man, who had sustained CD4 count over 200 cells/microl for 2 years while on secondary prophylaxis for PCP, who then developed PCP after cessation of prophylaxis, is presented. This case emphasizes the need for close monitoring of patients who discontinued secondary PCP prophylaxis with respiratory symptoms.     

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.     

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.     

Increased risk of Pneumocystis carinii and community-acquired pneumonia with tobacco use in HIV disease.

OBJECTIVES: Tobacco smoking-related diseases continue to be of great health concern for the public, in general, and may be particularly deleterious for immunosuppressed HIV-positive individuals, who exhibit widespread tobacco use. METHODS: A total of 521 HIV-infected subjects consecutively admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital between 2001-2002 were enrolled in the study. Research data included a medical history, details of tobacco and illicit drug use and complete computerized hospital information. Blood was drawn to obtain T lymphocyte profiles and viral load levels. Statistical analysis methods included Pearson, Student's t- and Chi-square tests and SAS Proc CATMOD. RESULTS: Tobacco use was prevalent, with 65% of the 521 HIV-positive hospitalized patients being current smokers. Overall, current tobacco users reported smoking an average of 15+/-13 cigarettes per day for an average of 15+/-14 years, with 40% smoking more than one pack per day. Pulmonary infections accounted for 49% of the total hospital admissions: 52% bacterial pneumonias, 24% Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), 12% non-tuberculous mycobacterial diseases (NTM), 11% tuberculosis and 1% bronchitis. Many of the respiratory patients (46%) had been on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for over six months and 42% had received PCP and/or NTM prophylaxis. After matching the cases by HAART and CDC stage, the hazardous risk of being hospitalized with a respiratory infection was significantly higher for smokers than non-smokers (95% CI 1.33-2.83; p=0.003). Respiratory infections were noted in (37%) of the HAART-treated patients, and most (67%) occurred in smokers. CATMOD analyses controlling for HAART, viral load and CD4, indicated that HIV-infected smokers were three times more likely to be hospitalized with PCP and twice as likely to be hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia than non-smokers, with increased risk related to the number of cigarettes/day in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use, which is widespread among HIV-infected subjects, increases the risk of pulmonary diseases, particularly PCP and CAP, two respiratory infections with high prevalence and morbidity risks even in the era of HAART.     

Pulmonary complications in patients with AIDS

HIV infection was first reported in 1981 in USA. It has been 20 years since then. Owing to understandings of pathogenesis of this disease and development of new drugs such as the HIV-specific protease inhibitor (PI), prognosis of disease has been tremendously improved. Especially after 1997 in Japan, the strategy of anti-HIV treatment shifted from two drugs combination to three drugs combination, which is called highly active antiretoviral therapy (HAART). HAART was so effective that prevalence of HIV associated opportunistic infections were decreased dramatically. Mortality among hospitalized HIV-infected patients was decreased from 6.7% in 1996 to 2.6% since then in ACC. However, 80% of patients receiving HAART suffered from side effects and 15% of them had to be changed their treatment due to side effects. Furthermore, an unexpected side effect, namely lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS), was emerged among patients who were receiving HAART more than one year. LDS was first reported as re-distribution of lipid such as central obesity with or without lipo-atrophy from extremities and/or face. Now only cosmetic change, but also it is associated with elevation of lipid and glucose level. Therefore, those patients who have LDS are in face of the risk for the ischemic heart diseases. Our survey indicated that the rate of LDS in Japanese patients were almost same as that of Caucasian patients reported elsewhere. Opportunistic infections associated with HIV infection Treatment for HIV infection consists of two major arms; one is use of anti-HIV drugs to prevent development of AIDS described above and the other is diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections. There are five very important opportunistic infections; Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), cryptococcus meningitis, toxoplasma encephalitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteremia. Because if these five were able to diagnose, a patient can survive under appropriate treatment. On the other hand, if these were not diagnosed, patient must be AIDS death. After introducing HAART, number of CMV retinitis, MAC bacteremia, and AIDS dementia complex were decreasing. However, number of PCP sustained high because PCP is the first indicator disease of AIDS if the patient did not know his HIV status. The first choice of drug is sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (ST) for PCP treatment. If the patient were in severe respiratory failure, corticosteroid is used concomitantly. Treatment is usually continued for 3 weeks. We have successfully treated 45 out of 47 cases of PCP for 4 years. However, those patients treated with ST for 3 weeks were limited only 35% because of very high rate of side effects of ST. If the patient was intolerant to ST, treatment was switched to pentamidine. After finishing the treatment, the patient is to be treated with a 5-day course of oral desensitization to ST. More than 80% of patients who were previously intolerant to ST became successfully getting tolerance by this method.     

Recurrence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in an HIV-infected patient: apparent selective immune reconstitution after initiation of antiretroviral therapy

Although several studies have reported that it is safe to discontinue secondary Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis in patients infected with HIV who experience a sustained immune response as a result of antiretroviral therapy, we describe a patient who developed recurrent PCP <3 months after discontinuing trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. He developed disease despite a sustained CD4 T-cell count above 200 cells/microL for more than 3 years while on antiretroviral therapy, as well as an apparent immune reconstitution against disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Histoplasma capsulatum, for which he also discontinued therapy but without adverse effects. Thus, although increasing evidence continues to indicate that HIV-infected patients receiving combinations of antiretroviral therapies may regain specific immunity against opportunistic infections, our patient's experience suggests that this immune recovery may be selective and incomplete.