SPECTRUM OF OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN HIV-AIDS PATIENTS

Abstract

Aim: AIDS is characterized by a number of opportunistic infections which are responsible for high morbidity and mortality. The spectrum and distribution of opportunistic infections (OIs) in AIDS patients is ever-expanding. This spectrum varies from continent to continent. The aim of the present study was to document the spectrum of OIs in HIV-infected patients in Ambajogai. Material and Method: 178 HIV positive symptomatic patients, either hospitalized or coming to ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centre in S.R.T.R. Medical College, Ambajogai, were included in the study for finding the spectrum of opportunistic infections. Result: The commonest opportunistic infection seen was tuberculosis (59% of patients), followed by oral candidiasis (37.6% of patients) and parasitic diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium parvum(18 % of patients). It was observed that out of 178 patients, maximum 53.3% were in the age group of 29-38 years followed by 21% in the age group of 39-48 years. It was found that 77% were males and 23% were females, with male to female ratio is 3.3:1. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection seen in HIV patients. Clinicians should consider HIV in the differential diagnosis and management of all persons with tuberculosis.