DRUG-THERAPY OF MAJOR OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS

The major causes of morbidity and mortality for patients infected with HIV are AIDS-defining opportunistic infections. These may be due to a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa that take advantage of a compromised immune system. Although earlier diagnoses and advances in chemotherapeutics have increased the life expectancy of AIDS patients, the mortality associated with these opportunistic infections continue to be high. Moreover, many patients experience drug-associated toxicities, some particular to AIDS' effect on host responses. Many drugs have to be given chronically, since the patients generally do not recover immunologic function once they develop AIDS.