Osteoarticular infections in HIV-infected patients: 23 cases among 1,515 HIV-infected patients.
BACKGROUND
The reported incidence of osteoarticular infections in HIV-infected patients has varied in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS We determined the incidence and characteristics of osteoarticular infections reported in a database of 1,515 HIV-infected patients between 1983 and 2003.


RESULTS
23 HIV-infected patients were identified with an osteoarticular infection, 11 of whom had a spondylodiscitis. 16 were intravenous drug abusers; this was identified as a risk factor for developing an osteoarticular infection. The most common agent was Staphylococcus aureus. 6 patients required surgical intervention and in a worst-case scenario more than one-fifth had recurrence of their infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Development of an osteoarticular infection is a rare complication in this group of HIV-infected patients, but a remarkably high number of infections of the spine were seen.
Busch
Vincent J J F
VJ
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. vincentbusch@hotmail.com
Regez
Rosa M
RM
Heere
Bastiaan
B
Willems
W Jaap
WJ
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D015299:Discitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous