Introduction to the 1999 USPHS/IDSA guidelines for the prevention of opportunistic infections in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are well recognized to produce substantial m orbidity and mortality among patients with HIV infection. Since measures ar e available for reducing the incidence and the impact of these processes fo r patients, the United States Public Health Service and the Infectious Dise ases Society of America, with endorsing professional societies, have develo ped guidelines for implementing a comprehensive strategy to prevent these O Is, These guidelines have been developed by a diverse working group of expe rt health care providers and patient representatives in order to synthesize available data and to provide practical advice for health care practitione rs and patients.