Epidemiology and risk of pulmonary disease

Although pulmonary diseases are important causes of illness and death in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, advances in treatment and the demographics of HIV-infected populations are changing their incidence and manifestations. The rates of acquires immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality and opportunistic infections have fallen drastically since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996. The risk of developing specific disorders is related to the degree of immunosuppression, HIV risk group, area of residence, and use of antiretroviral treatments and prophylaxis against common infections. HIV- infected drug users are at increased risk for developing bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis. Bronchitis and sinusitis occur commonly in the general population, but more frequently in HIV-infected persons. With progressive immunocompromise, the risk of developing bacterial pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and tuberculosis increases.