Background: HIV-related immunodeficiency particularly affects the mucosal immune system. Therefore, the gastrointestinal tract is target to numerous HIV-associated diseases. Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the prevalence of HIV-related secondary diseases has significantly declined. Their clinical appearance, however, remained unchanged.
Results: This review summarizes the most important gastrointestinal complications of HIV disease and their treatment focusing on key symptoms and signs. In addition, appropriate diagnostic strategies are proposed.
Conclusions: Given the high number of secondary gastrointestinal diseases and their potential impact on prognosis and quality of life of HIV-infected patients, it is important to employ an effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these patients. Control of HIV replication and immune deficiency by HAART offers new therapeutic options in cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis and is crucial for the long-term prevention of opportunistic enteric infections or HIV-related malignancies.