[Emergencies in human immunodeficiency virus infection]

Emergencies during HIV infection consist mainly in opportunistic infections. They are varied and the physician should keep an "internist's eye" on the condition; they also require emergency complementary examinations for confirmation of diagnosis. If such diagnostic tests cannot be rapidly made, treatment should be started on the basis of presumption and frequency. In France, the most frequently observed opportunistic infections are: pneumocystosis, cerebral toxoplasmosis and candidiasis. Tuberculosis is a major concern of those responsible for public health care. Surgical complications following infections or opportunistic tumours, are rare and of poor prognosis. Iatrogenic complications (haematologic, cutaneous and infectious) are also reasons for emergency care.