Community-Acquired Pneumonia in HIV-Positive Patients: an Update on Etiologies, Epidemiology and Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the cause of a considerable burden of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. The purpose of this study was to review recent literature for epidemiological trends and management of CAP in HIV patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

While the specific infectious etiologies are very diverse, bacterial infection and tuberculosis are the main causes of CAP in this population. Bacterial CAP mostly affects high-income countries, while tuberculosis is mostly in low-/middle-income countries. Early antiretroviral therapy is of benefit for all patients regardless of etiology and immune status. Specific etiologies require individualized approaches, both therapeutically and prophylatically. Antiretroviral therapy is recommended for all patients.