OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS IN AIDS PATIENTS - CURRENT MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

The number of drugs available for treatment and prevention of opportun istic infections in patients who are seropositive for HIV infection is limited, although some agents currently being studied show promise. P neumocystis carinii pneumonia, the most common opportunistic infection , can be effectively managed, although prophylaxis must be continued i ndefinitely. Because an increased incidence of tuberculosis is associa ted with HIV infection, the emergence of strains that are resistant to multiple drugs is of concern. Intensive therapy with five or six drug s may be necessary. Isoniazid (Nydrazid) is recommended for prophylaxi s.