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[Profound mycoses in AIDS in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)]

S P Eholie1, L N'gbocho, E Bissagnene

  • 1Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Insights

Deep fungal infections affected 5.8% of HIV patients, with Cryptococcus neoformans being the most common. Treatment with amphotericin B showed high mortality and relapse rates, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in AIDS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection significantly compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Deep fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of fungal infections is crucial for effective management in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and spectrum of deep fungal infections in HIV patients.
  • To identify the etiological agents responsible for these infections.
  • To evaluate the treatment outcomes and challenges associated with amphotericin B therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 1105 HIV patients from 1995.
  • Microbiological investigation of cerebrospinal fluid, blood, urine, and bronchoalveolar aspirates for fungal pathogens.
  • Assessment of treatment responses, including recovery, clinical success, mortality, relapse, and side effects.

Main Results:

  • A prevalence of 5.8% (64/1105) for deep fungal infections was observed.
  • Cryptococcus neoformans was the predominant isolate (95%), with rare cases of Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Amphotericin B treatment resulted in a 66% mortality rate, 23% relapse rate, and 19% incidence of side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Deep fungal infections pose a significant threat to HIV patients, necessitating improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
  • The high mortality and relapse rates underscore the poor prognosis and treatment difficulties in this patient population.
  • Further research is needed to develop more effective antifungal therapies and management protocols for HIV-associated mycoses.

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