Respiratory Infections in the Setting of HIV

Viral pathogens were identified in about 65% of HIV-infected patients seeking outpatient care for respiratory symptoms. Influenza viruses were most common, followed by hMPV.

Respiratory infections are relatively common among patients with HIV, but little is known about the etiology of these infections. A new report from a Montreal clinic describes 50 HIV-infected patients who presented for outpatient care with fever and respiratory symptoms between November 2003 and April 2006. Ninety percent were receiving potent antiretroviral therapy.

Using a multiplex PCR assay, investigators identified viral causative pathogens in 32 patients (64%). Influenza viruses were the most common (22 infections), followed by human metapneumovirus (hMPV) A and B (6 infections). Bacterial copathogens were identified in 4 patients.

Compared with patients who had influenza, those with hMPV infection had higher median CD4-cell counts and …

Reviewing Author

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Sonia Nagy Chimienti, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Respiratory Infections in the Setting of HIV

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Reviewing Author