Infectious diarrhea in human immunodeficiency virus

Chronic diarrhea is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patien ts infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In most cases, a p athogen can be identified by stool examination or by endoscopy when stool t ests are negative. In this article, the authors review the etiology and dia gnostic evaluation of chronic diarrhea in HIV associated diarrhea in the er a of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In this patient populati on, the introduction of HAART has been associated with a decrease in the in cidence of opportunistic pathogens, better response rates to empiric and pa thogen-specific therapy, and prolonged survival. Finally, the authors highl ight some of the newer therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic HIV- associated diarrhea.