GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS IN THE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED HOST

This review summarizes the advances made in understanding the conseque nces of HIV infection and AIDS for the gastrointestinal tract. The fre quent occurrence of gastrointestinal disease and its demographic and e pidemiologic correlates have been studied. The pathogenesis of immune deficiency in the intestines and the role of HIV are being defined whi le the spectrum of clinical consequences of AIDS has broadened. Also, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for esophagitis and esophageal u lcers have been refined. The pathogenesis of malabsorption related to intestinal parasitosis has become clear, and studies of antiparasitic therapies have been performed. The causes and treatment of enterocolit is have been further defined also and treatments studied. Studies of l iver disease have examined both parenchymal diseases and biliary tract abnormalities. The cumulative work demonstrates steady progress towar ds a more complete understanding of the nature of the gastrointestinal consequences of HIV infection and AIDS, and their proper management.