[Pneumococcal infections in patients with HIV infections].
VERY HIGH INCIDENCE: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent causal agent of bacterial pneumonia in HIV-positive patients. SPECIFIC COURSE: Clinical manifestations are similar to those in normal hosts except for increased rates of bacteremia and recurrent disease, but mortality from pneumococcal disease is substantial in patients with AIDS.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the independent influence of HIV infection has not been well assessed, antibiotics effective against penicillin-resistant strains such as the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination or cephalosporines (cefatoxime, ceftriaxone) must be considered in the empirical treatment of HIV-infected patients with pneumococcal disease.


RESULTS
Since the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccine has not been demonstrated, clinical trials of vaccination performed early in the course of HIV infection are warranted.
Lesprit
P
P
Service des Maladies infectieuses, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris.
Decazes
J M
JM
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D011018:Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents