Recent scenario of Opportunistic infection in HIV-infected individuals at a tertiary care hospital in Bilaspur (C.G.)

Introduction: Opportunistic Infections are now more frequent and more severe because of immunosuppression in HIV infected person. Its spectrum varies from continent to continent. The aim of present study was to document the spectrum of opportunistic infections in HIV infected patients in a tertiary care hospital of Bilaspur (C.G.). Method: A cross sectional study design was conducted among 689 clinically suspected HIV patients in one year duration in Chhattisgarh institute of medical sciences, a teaching hospital, Bilaspur (C.G.), to evaluate different opportunistic infections in individual in which HIV positivity was confirmed by three rapid tests as recommended by NACO guidelines. Result: Out of 689 clinically suspected HIV patients, 161 were HIV seropositive (23.4%). Heterosexual contact was the major route of transmission (95%). Majority of them were in the age group of (20-39 years) i.e. 62%. Majority of HIV patients were male (77%). Tuberculosis was most common opportunistic infection (31.4%) followed by diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum (15.7%). Conclusion: Tuberculosis is the commonest opportunistic infection seen in HIV patients. Early diagnosis of opportunistic infection and appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis can reduce the morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. Keywords: Opportunistic infections, HIV