[Recurrent diarrhea due to Cystoisopora belli in HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART]

Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2013 Apr;30(2):326-30.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

The Cystoisospora belli, before denominated as Isospora belli, is the etiologic agent of cystoisosoporiasis, an opportunistic infection affecting immunocompromised patients, characterized by chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The incidence of chronic diarrhea for this agent, in HIV patients, has decreased considerably. This thanks to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which has improved the patient's immune response and decrease viral load. We present six cases of cystoisosoporiasis recurrent and refractory to treatment in HIV patients, who was being treated with with trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole (TMP / SMX) orally as a prophylaxis. Five of these patients passed away due to the infection, despite of the fact that they had a good response to HAART (adequate increase in CD4 and viral load undetectable) and they had been treated with second line drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections* / diagnosis
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections* / therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • Coccidiosis* / diagnosis
  • Coccidiosis* / drug therapy
  • Diarrhea / parasitology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Sarcocystidae*