Treatment strategies for infectious diarrhea in HIV-infected patients

Abstract

While highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to substantial decreases in morbidity and mortality, diarrhea remains a common problem in HIV-infected individuals. Patients with low CD4 cell counts (less than 200/ mL) have a higher risk of developing chronic, infectious diarrhea. The diagnosis of infectious diarrhea is usually made by obtaining the appropriate tests. Therapy should be pathogen directed if the offending agent is identified, or aimed at symptomatic improvement if a specific pathogen is not detected.