Reduction of hematogenous infection in HIV positive patients following highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND:Bloodstream infections have probably decreased in HIV patients since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) usage. PATIENTS AND METHOD:Hematogenous infections, including mycobacteria and fungi in HIV patients, stratified into two periods (I: 1995-1996 and II: 1997-1998) were included to evaluate changes attributable to HAART. RESULTS:226 episodes were attended (incidence: 38.8 in period I and 15.3 in period II; p < 0.01). A significant decrease was observed in immunosuppression related microorganisms. HAART usage increased from 6.4% in period I to 31.2% in period II. Immunological parameters of HIV patients significantly improved in period II. CONCLUSIONS:Hematogenous infections have significantly decreased in HIV patients since the use of HAART.