[HIV and lung]

HIV-infection is characterized by a progressive immunodeficiency that predisposes affected persons to opportunistic infections and neoplasias. Pulmonary co-infections play a key role in HIV-infection as the airways are constantly exposed to aerosolized microorganisms during ventilation. In addition to the spectrum of microorganisms that are responsible for the development of community acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hosts, persons with HIV-infection are vulnerable to infections with organisms that profit from the progressive cellular immune defects. Examples are infections with Pneumocystis jirovecii, non-tuberculous mycobacteria and viral pathogens. In contrast, tuberculosis can occur in all stages of HIV-infection. Following the HIV-pandemic, the incidence of tuberculosis has increased again in many areas of the world. The advent of antiretroviral therapies (ART) in recent years had resulted in a dramatic decrease of HIV-related morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. As a result of the reconstitution of the immune-system under ARTs the incidence of pulmonary co-infections has also declined substantially in persons living with HIV in countries where these therapies are available.