[Treatment and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in individuals infected with HIV].

The primary causes of morbidity and mortality in persons infected with the human immunodoficiency virus are oportunistic infections. Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces progressive quantitative and qualitative defects in CD4 (T helper) lymphocytes. Macrophage and monocyte function may also be impaired as a result of HIV infection. Consequently, patients in the later stages of HIV infection (ARC and AIDS) frequently experiency infections against which either cellular od humoral immunity, or both, are important. A large number of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa are capable of infecting persons with ARC or AIDS. Much of recent research efforts has been targeted at new techniques to diagnose, treat and to prevent certain opportunistic infections. Treatment is often long and ardous for both patient and physician. This review provides a practical introduction to the treatment and prevention (primary prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis, supression, or maintenance therapy) of the most common opportunistic infections associated with HIV.