Prevention and treatment of common HIV-associated opportunistic complications

This article reviews the importance of preventing illness in HIV-infected patients. The indications and medication regimens for preventing several common opportunistic complications are discussed. Infections addressed include pneumocystis pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium complex, toxoplasmosis encephalitis, and tuberculosis, among others. Other preventive interventions such as routine immunizations are addressed briefly as well. Diagnosis and treatment of five of the most common HIV-associated opportunistic infections are reviewed.