[Gastroenterologic manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

The gastrointestinal system is a target organ for many infection in the immunosuppressed. Alterations in mucosal immunity may explain the increased incidence of enteric infections, abnormalities are most marked by a decrease in total T cells, CD4 T cells and IgA producing cells. Such involvement of the gastrointestinal tract contributes to nutritional problems and may provide a portal entry for systemic infection. Gastrointestinal manifestation of patients with AIDS has been found in 78% of patients in Perú; chronic debilitating diarrhea is commonly. These immune deficits predispone such patients to rare tumors; malignant neoplasia complicate AIDS in 12% of the cases in USA, most common was Kaposi sarcoma followed by Lymphoma. Liver abnormalities are common, those related to the opportunistic infections, chronic debilitating illness and concident exposure to hepatotropic viruses. Disinfection of the endoscopic instruments is very important; glutaraldehydes can be used in fiberoptic instruments and their accessories. This report reviews the clinical problems, diagnosis and treatment in patients with AIDS and gastrointestinal manifestation.