Bacterial enteric infections in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

We review the epidemiology and prevention of and future research priorities for bacterial enteric infections in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-infected persons are more frequently infected with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and (possibly) Shigella species than are individuals not infected with HIV. In addition, Salmonella and (possibly) Campylobacter infections are more likely to be severe, recurrent, or persistent and associated with extraintestinal disease when they occur in HIV-infected persons. Infections caused by Shigella and Vibrio species can also result in more serious disease in HIV-infected persons than in those not infected with HIV. Risk of these infections can be reduced with proper precautions, particularly those pertaining to food hygiene, animal contact, and travel. Individuals infected with HIV should be informed of their increased risk of acquiring these diseases and should be counseled on the recommended precautions.