Bacterial and fungal infections in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Over a 14-month period, 136 episodes of bacterial and 26 episodes of fungal infection were identified from the microbiology records of 444 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The respective rates for infection were 31 of 100 admissions (bacterial) and 5 of 100 admissions (fungal). Contributory factors appeared to be therapy with antineoplastic agents, ganciclovir and zidovudine, resulting in neutropenia, corticosteroid therapy, and increased use of central venous catheters. Bacteria isolated most often were Staphylococcus spp., the Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. were the common fungal pathogens. However, several unusual fungal organisms seem to be emerging as important pathogens and can cause disseminated infection. Appropriate and prompt antimicrobial therapy resulted in the resolution of most bacterial infections. Disseminated fungal infections were difficult to treat and responded less often.