Prophylaxis of opportunistic infections.
Potent antiretroviral therapy has improved the outcome of HIV-associated OIs, which have declined dramatically. The clinical manifestations of some OIs (e.g., CMV retinitis, MAC infection, and TB) have changed. These effects likely are related to the immune reconstitution observed with the suppression of HIV replication. These changes have affected approaches to the prophylaxis of OIs. Withdrawal of some prophylaxis in patients who show evidence of immune reconstitution is possible, although clinical studies are needed to address further specific questions about the timing of withdrawal. The best way to prevent OIs is to give effective antiretroviral therapy--the future epidemiology of OIs is linked inextricably with the effectiveness of future antiretroviral treatments.
Tantisiriwat
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Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
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D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors