Bacterial infections

Non-opportunistic bacterial infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality for HIV-infected adults and children. Factors associated with increased risk of these include altered Band T-cell function; altered phagocytic cell function; skin and mucous membrane defects; and use of indwelling vascular catheters, antibiotics, or cytotoxic agents. The pathogens: encountered most frequently are S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, Salmonella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Less commonly encountered organisms include Rhodococcus equi, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella sp., and Nocardia asteroides. Strategies for prevention as well as diagnosis and treatment of these are discussed.