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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
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Published on: June 11, 2011

Epidemiology of mycoses in the HIV-infected patient: clinical aspects

M G Rinaldi1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78284-7750, USA.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|February 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic fungal infections, including endemic mycoses like Histoplasma and Coccidioides, are significant challenges for patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Diagnosis relies on microscopy and culture of fungal elements from tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) face significant health challenges due to opportunistic infections.
  • Fungal infections, particularly endemic mycoses, are a major concern in individuals with advanced AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the primary opportunistic fungal infections in patients with AIDS.
  • To detail the endemic mycoses affecting AIDS patients, including their geographical distribution and typical clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common opportunistic fungal infections in AIDS.
  • Identification of endemic mycoses based on geographical prevalence and association with AIDS.
  • Description of diagnostic methods, including microscopy and fungal culture.

Main Results:

  • Key opportunistic fungal infections include candidiasis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, and endemic mycoses.
  • Endemic mycoses in AIDS patients comprise Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Penicillium marneffei, and Blastomyces.
  • These infections typically manifest late in AIDS, often with CD4 counts below 100 cells/µL.
  • Diagnosis is commonly achieved through microscopic identification of fungal morphology and successful culturing from infected tissues or blood (for Histoplasma).

Conclusions:

  • Opportunistic fungal infections, especially endemic mycoses, represent a critical aspect of AIDS management.
  • Timely diagnosis through microscopy and culture is essential for effective treatment of these infections in immunocompromised individuals.

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