Reduction of hematogenous infection in HIV positive patients following highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections have probably decreased in HIV patients since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) usage. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Hematogenous infections, including mycobacteria and fu ngi in HIV patients, stratified into two periods (I: 1995-1996 and II: 1997 -1998) were included to evaluate changes attributable to HAART. RESULTS: 226 episodes were attended (incidence: 38.8 in period I and 15.3 i n period II; p < 0.01), A significant decrease was observed in immunosuppre ssion related microorganisms. HAART usage increased from 6.4% in period I t o 31.2% in period II. Immunological parameters of HIV patients significantl y improved in period II, CONCLUSIONS: Hematogenous infections have significantly decreased in HIV pa tients since the use of HAART.