Disseminated Pneumocystis carinii infection in AIDS

Article Abstract:

Infection with Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) in the lungs causes a potentially fatal disease and occurs in approximately 85 percent of patients with AIDS in North America and Europe. Case studies from eight patients with AIDS and P. carinii infection which spread from the lungs throughout the body are presented. Disseminated P. carinii infection is rare but, is becoming more common in patients with AIDS. In these cases, the bacteria caused disease in many parts of the body besides the lungs, including the intestines, the abdomen, the perianal area, the liver, and the thyroid gland. Predisposing factors were examined. All the patients had previously had P. carinii pneumonia. Other risk factors could not be identified. Six of the eight patients were treated with aerosolized pentamidine, which is used to treat P. carinii pneumonia. This treatment does not prevent disseminated disease. However, aerosolized pentamidine is used as a prophylactic agent against P. carinii pneumonia. Prevention of the primary disease may prevent the disseminated disease as well. The death rate from disseminated P. carinii infection is high; all the patients described in this report died. It is important that disseminated P. carinii infection be identified as quickly as possible so that systemic treatment can be initiated rapidly to improve survival. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii

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Epstein-Barr virus associated esophageal ulcers in AIDS

Article Abstract:

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family, and may establish a latent infection which becomes evident during periods of reduced immune system function, as is seen in AIDS and AIDS-related complex. Recent evidence suggests that epithelial cells (which line the esophagus as well as other regions) are the primary target for infection by EBV. EBV infection sometimes coexists with AIDS infection. Five male homosexuals, all suffering from AIDS or AIDS-related complex at the time of evaluation, were undergoing treatment for esophageal ulceration. Evidence of EBV infection was found in three of the four patients from whom sufficient tissue had been removed by biopsy. One patient did not show evidence of EBV infection. None of the biopsies from three normal (non-HIV-infected) males showed any evidence of EBV. The only other viral infection found in the biopsy samples was of the human papillomavirus type, and this was encountered in both the AIDS patients and the normal controls. It is suggested that EBV may be an important cause of esophageal ulceration seen in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Ulcers, Esophagus, Epstein-Barr virus

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Campylobacter pylori in the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients with HIV-1 infection

Article Abstract:

Considerable evidence is available that associates the presence of Campylobacter pylori (CP) with gastritis and duodenal ulcers. The organism is found in the gastric mucosa of patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and with gastric indigestion without ulcers. This case control study was conducted to assess the incidence of CP in cell specimens and associated cell abnormalities that may be present in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) antibodies. Fifty-one HIV-positive patients who had undergone endoscopy and biopsy constituted the study group. Fifty-nine age and sex matched patients without HIV were the control group. All patients were evaluated for CP. The presence or absence of CP, the degree of inflammation, and the type of gastritis, duodenitis, or gastric metaplasia were noted. The prevalence of CP in the study group was comparable with that of the controls. Increased susceptibility to CP did not appear to be related to HIV infection. Therefore, cell-mediated immunity does not seem to be associated or involved in the control of CP infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Causes of, HIV patients, Helicobacter infections, Gastritis

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