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The lungs are commonly affected in patients infected with HIV, with over 60% of patients having at least one respiratory episode during the course of their disease.

When immune responses are relatively well preserved in early HIV infection the pattern of respiratory infections is similar to that found in the general population, although they occur with greater frequency.

The risk of opportunistic infections and tumours increases as progressive HIV-induced immunosuppression occurs. Over recent years there have been several changes in the pattern of lung disease seen in those infected with HIV. These changes may be accounted for by the widespread availability and uptake of prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and combination antiretroviral therapy (also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART).

Box 6.1 HIV-associated respiratory disease

Infections

Bacterial bronchitis/sinusitis

Bacterial pneumonia

Tuberculosis

P. carinii pneumonia Fungal pneumonia Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis

Malignancy

Kaposi's sarcoma Lymphoma Lung cancer

Non-malignant conditions

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis

Non-specific pneumonitis

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Source: Alder M.W.. ABC of AIDS. Fifth edition. —BMJ Publishing Group,2001. — 126 p.. 2001
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