Infections of the liver in HIV-infected patients

The liver is a common site of pathology in HIV-infected patients. In patients with controlled HIV and minimal immunosuppression, infection with hepatitis viruses is common owing to the risk factors of sexual transmission or parenteral drug use. In patients with AIDS, the liver is a common site of lymphohematogenous dissemination of several infectious pathogens. A thorough diagnostic approach will lead to a diagnosis of most hepatobiliary processes. A sense of futility surrounding therapeutic treatment of hepatic disease, including viral hepatitis, is unwarranted because treatment of the underlying HIV and hepatic process may improve the quality of life and longevity of these patients.