Urinary Tract Infection in HIV/AIDS Patients

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition around the world, even affecting immunocompromised hosts such as people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immuodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Due to the anatomical conditions of the urogenital tract, women are more susceptible to UTI. Risk factors throughout life are determinants in the appearance of UTI. The frequency increases especially in women and is associated with sexual activity and pregnancy. In older adults and the elderly, again the frequency of UTI in both genders increases. In women, it is usually related at anatomical and functional sequelae due to parity and gyneco-obstetric surgeries. In old men, prostatic enlargement is an important concern. Chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes mellitus with complications explain the high frequency of UTI in this population. Currently, the increase in violence and accidents are the leading cause of traumatic injuries with neurological damage, which leads the use of permanent urinary catheter. In patients infected with HIV/AIDS, the disease can be severe and is associated with more complications. The etiology in this population can be diverse, including fungi, parasites, and virus; antimicrobial resistance is a therapeutic challenge. This chapter is a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis approach, and current treatment of UTIs in HIV/AIDS patients.