Abstract

PIP: Opportunistic infections may be severe in people having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These infectious agents often demonstrate an uncommon persistence and may even show a recurring trait. This report describes 10 of the most commonly seen opportunistic infectious agents found in AIDS patients in India. The authors briefly describe the immunologically debilitating effects of AIDS in humans. A suggested treatment program including specific drugs to use against each pathogen is described. Further, the authors note that drug hypersensitivity developed in many AIDS patients. The 10 infections described are candidiasis, tuberculosis (TB), Pneumocystis carinii, cryptococcus, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, Mycobacterium avium, Herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus. Multiple infections were common. A regime of fluconazole is used against candidiasis and cryptococcus. Standard antituberculines are prescribed for TB. Amphotericin and flucytosine are effective against cryptococcus. Histoplasmosis is treated with amphotericin or itraconazole. Sulfadiazine sodium and pyrimethamine are given to toxoplasmosis patients. Cryptosporidiosis is treated with paramomycin. Acyclovir is effective against Herpes simplex. Cytomegalovirus is treated with foscarnet and ganciclovir. Dosages for each drug are also provided.