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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

Recently recognised microbial enteropathies and HIV infection

M J Farthing1, M P Kelly, A M Veitch

  • 1Digestive Diseases Research Centre, Medical College of St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|May 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Persistent diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients is often caused by specific pathogens like coccidia and microsporidia. Early detection via microscopy and biopsy, along with targeted treatments like albendazole and co-trimoxazole, are crucial for managing this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Persistent diarrhea and small bowel enteropathy are significant complications of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • A specific enteropathogen can be identified in at least 80% of persistent diarrhea cases among HIV/AIDS patients.
  • Coccidian parasites (Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Cyclospora) and Microsporidia are major contributors, alongside Mycobacterium avium complex, bacteria, and cytomegalovirus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes and diagnostic approaches for persistent diarrhea in HIV infection.
  • To highlight recent therapeutic advancements for specific enteropathogens causing diarrhea in HIV/AIDS.
  • To address the uncertainty regarding HIV's direct role in causing enteropathy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on persistent diarrhea in HIV/AIDS.
  • Discussion of diagnostic methods including fecal microscopy and intestinal mucosal biopsies.
  • Analysis of treatment strategies for identified enteropathogens.

Main Results:

  • Intracellular protozoa (coccidia, microsporidia) account for over 50% of persistent diarrhea cases.
  • Diagnosis can be confirmed by fecal microscopy, though intestinal biopsies may be necessary.
  • Up to 20% of cases remain without a specific identified infection, leaving the direct role of HIV in enteropathy unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Specific enteropathogens are frequently responsible for persistent diarrhea in HIV/AIDS.
  • Albendazole and co-trimoxazole are effective treatments for microsporidial and Cyclospora infections, respectively.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the direct impact of HIV infection on enteropathy.

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