Challenges in Treating Intraocular Inflammation in HIV Patients

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2020 Oct 2;28(7):1094-1098. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1726971. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the challenges faced by uveitis specialists when managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected patients diagnosed with ocular opportunistic infections. Methods: Narrative Review Results: Management of opportunistic ocular infections in HIV-infected subjects still represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Atypical and aggressive clinical features can often mislead the correct diagnosis, leading to a delay in therapy and thus, a poor clinical outcome. The reliability of standard serological tests may be affected by the immune system response, further contributing to the diagnostic challenge. Life-long monitoring and long-term antimicrobial maintenance are necessary to avoid recurrences and disease dissemination. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is needed to achieve the best standard of care for HIV patients with ocular opportunistic infections.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); anergy; atypical presentations; combined antiretroviral therapy (CART); immunorecovery syndrome; maintenance therapy; ocular opportunistic infections; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnosis
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Uveitis / diagnosis
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*