Chronic diarrhea in a pediatric patient with HIV

Abstract

Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), diarrhea remains a common problem with HIV infection and contributes to reduced quality of life and survival in HIV-infected patientes. Diarrhea is estimated to occur in approximately 90 % of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries and between 30 % and 60 % in developed countries. Opportunistic pathogens that cause diarrhea in HIV-infected persons include protozoa, fungi, viroses, and bacteria. Several species of protozoa belonging to Cryptosporidium, Microsporidia and Isospora, are among the most common causative pathogens responsible for significant morbility and mortality in HIV patients. The case of a pediatric patient with chronic diarrhea with HIV stage C3 in irregular treatment with antiretrovirals Abacavir, Lamivudine, Lopinavir/Ritonavir admitted to the Institute of Tropical Medicine in which Isospora belli was isolated in coproparasitological for which she received treatment is presented below with Trimetropim-Sulfamethoxazole in addition to Griseofulvin for tinea capitis and Ivermectin and Permethrin 5 % lotion for scabies. Diarrhea can cause significant morbility in HIV-positive patients and can be due to a multitude of etiologies, from infectious pathogens to malignancy to drugs. Diarrhea is also an independent predictor of reduced quality of life and, in the case of advanced HIV disease, increased mortality.