Clinical profile of AIDS.

Objective: To study clinical presentation spectrum of systemic involvement and opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. Methods: Thirty patient HIV positive by ELISA test admitted in the department of Medicine SMS Hospital Jaipur during September 1996 and December 1997 were studied. Other causes of immunosuppression were ruled out. These patients having opportunistic infections and/or systemic involvement were diagnosed to have AIDS and per CDC Atlanta criteria. The patients and their spouses were interviewed examined and investigated according to the pre-designed proforma. Results: Twenty five male and five female patients (n=30) having mean age of 32.76 ± 8.14 years (range 23-55 years) were studied. Ninety percent were in 20-40 years age group. Forty percent were related to transport services while 43% had migrated to other areas. Sexual mode of transmission was seen in 21 subjects (70%) (20 males and one female) of which 18 were heterosexual and three bisexual. Four patients (13%) had history of blood transfusion. The commonest presentation was fever in ninety six per cent. Significant weight loss (1.5% ± 9.76%) was present in patients having associated Candida infection (n=15). Tubercular disease was seen in 66% and 30% had atypical presentations. A presumptive diagnosis of PCP was made in 10% while 30% had cryptococcal Infection. The most common system involved was GIT (70%). All the patients were tested HBsAg negative. AIDS dementia complex was diagnosed in 13% all aged above 35 years. . Conclusion: Occupation and migration were important risk factors for HIV transmission and heterosexual contact is the commonest mode of spread. Amongst infection tuberculosis and candidiasis were common. (authors)