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[Pseudomonas spp. infections in patients with HIV infections]
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca.
Background:
The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the infections by Pseudomonas spp. observed in patients with HIV infection in Spain.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed of the isolations of Pseudomonas spp. in microbiologic samples of patients with HIV infection in three hospitals from Mallorca, Spain, since 1986.
Results:
Twenty-nine patients with some positive culture for Pseudomonas were reviewed. In 20 cases the infection presented in advanced stages of the disease when the patient fulfilled AIDS criteria. The most frequent foci in both community acquired and nosocomial infection was respiratory (16 and 3 cases, respectively). Fifty percent of the cases presented bacteremia. The classically described predisposing factors for infection by this germ were presented in 19 patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated type (22 cases). Only 5 patients received the appropriate treatment on admission. Clinical cure was achieved in 23 patients, with recurrence being observed in 10. Five patients died in relation to the infection.
Conclusions:
Infections by Pseudomonas spp. in Spain appear to have increased in frequency in patients with HIV infection in the last decade. These infections appear in advanced phases of the disease and mainly involve the lung, with high rates of bacteremia and a high number of recurrence. Empiric treatment of patients with advanced HIV infection with suspicion of bacterial infection should include antipseudomonic drugs.
Insights
Pseudomonas spp. infections are increasingly common in advanced HIV disease in Spain, often affecting the lungs and leading to bacteremia and recurrence. Empiric treatment for bacterial infections in these patients should include antipseudomonal drugs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunocompromised Hosts
Context:
- Pseudomonas spp. infections pose a significant threat to patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of these infections in Spain is crucial for effective management.
- This study focuses on Pseudomonas spp. infections in HIV-infected individuals in Mallorca, Spain, since 1986.
Purpose:
- To describe the characteristics of Pseudomonas spp. infections in patients with HIV in Spain.
- To analyze the frequency, clinical presentation, and outcomes of these infections.
- To inform treatment guidelines for bacterial infections in advanced HIV disease.
Summary:
- A retrospective study reviewed 29 patients with Pseudomonas spp. infections, predominantly in advanced stages of HIV/AIDS.
- Respiratory tract infections were most common, with 50% experiencing bacteremia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent isolate.
- Clinical cure was achieved in 23 patients, but 10 experienced recurrence, and 5 died due to infection.
Impact:
- Pseudomonas spp. infections in HIV patients in Spain have increased in the last decade.
- These infections typically occur in advanced HIV disease, primarily affecting the lungs with high rates of bacteremia and recurrence.
- Empirical treatment for suspected bacterial infections in advanced HIV patients should incorporate antipseudomonal agents.