Candidiasis opportunistic infection

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final stage of disease caused by infection with HIV. In this stage, the vims infection has severely affected the immune system, causing a depletion of CD4+ T-helper cells. AIDS is characterized by the manifestation of typical diseases caused by opportunistic infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, CMV retinitis, candidiasis of the esophagus, cerebral toxoplasmosis), neurological manifestations, cachexia, or certain tumors (Kaposi sarcoma of the skin, B-cell lymphoma). 

Oropharyngeal candidiasis remains the most common opportunistic infection in patients with HIV. Eighty to ninety percent of HIV-positive patients develop oropharyngeal candidiasis.27 For 70% of these patients, it is the first manifestation of HIV infection.28 The incidence of oropharyngeal infection increases with decreasing CD4 lymphocyte counts, with an incidence of 60% in patients with a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3. 

Impaired cell-mediated immunity leaves the host prey to many (opportunistic) infections including candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptosporidiosis, cytomegalovirus disease, herpes simplex, histoplasmosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis (with multiply-resistant organisms). Treatment of these conditions is referred to elsewhere in this text for a comprehensive review of the antinticrobial prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in patients with HIV infection, readers are referred to Kovacs Masur 2000 New England Journal of Medicine 342 1416. 

On the other hand, there are reports that marijuana use is associated with compromised health status among HIV-infected individuals. Lozada et al. (1983) assessed oral manifestations of tumor and opportunistic infections in 53 AIDS-affected men with Kaposi s sarcoma (KS). Twenty-seven had biopsy-proved oral KS, the palate being the most common site. Past or present infections with cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, venereal diseases, and gastrointestinal microorganisms occurred in more than 70%. Oral candidiasis was confirmed in 57%. Heavy marijuana smoking was identified as the most common habit among these individuals. Newell et al. (1985) reported that marijuana use was a risk factor... 

In addition to the suppression of the hypophysial-pituitary axis and adrenal atrophy, these drugs can cause a variety of adverse effects, including osteoporosis, pancreatitis, steroid-induced diabetes mellitus, cataracts, glaucoma, psychosis, oral candidiasis and other opportunistic infections, immunosuppression, infertility, weight gain, and skin atrophy. Severe edema may also be produced, particularly in the face, depending on the degree of mineralocorticoid activity. 

Fungi, such as Candida spp. (yeast), are normal flora of mouth, skin, intestine, and vagina. Candidiasis might be an opportunistic infection when the defense mechanisms are impaired. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and immunosuppressives may alter the body s defense mechanisms. Infections can be mild (vaginal yeast infection) or severe (systemic fungal infection). 

In the 12 months period of investigation, one patient out of 14 died. In phase IV a similar tendency of improved immune parameters could be observed. From 20 patients five patients died in a 12 months period. All others developed severe opportunistic infections (i.e. Candidiasis, pneumonia e.o.). It was reported that Hoe/Bay 946 was three to four times more effective than dextransulfate in laboratory experiments. These results clearly show that the direct interaction of the polymers with... 

Candida species are the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens encountered in hospitals, ranking as the third to fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections in United States Hospitals.18 The incidence of nosocomial candidiasis has increased steadily since the early 1980s, with the widespread use of central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antimicrobials, and other advancements in the supportive care... 

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