[Opportunistic diseases--current aspects in 2004]

Opportunistic diseases (OD) are still the most common cause of death in patients with HIV infection. The occurrence of OD is the most important single prognostic factor for survival. While in the pre-HAART era, many patients died of the wasting syndrome, today, ever more patients suffer from obesity and its consequences. Tuberculosis is widespread among those affected with HICV, and when treating it must be remembered that tuberculostatic agents and antiretroviral drugs interact with cytochrome P450. Until recently, the combination of rifampicin with protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors was contraindicated. Now, however, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its recommendations for treatment.