Use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV infected in patients at a referral hospital

Abstract

The sub-Saharan region is the most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with an average of 8% of the population being infected. Opportunistic infections have a major impact on the health and survival of HIV infected patients. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has, however, significantly reduced the prevalence of opportunistic infections in HIV infected patients. Primary prophylaxis of opportunistic infections continues to be one of the most important strategies in the management of patients infected with HIV. In addition, primary prophylaxis against opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis carinni pneumonia (PCP) has already been shown to have an independent role in prolonging survival.Pneumocystis carinii remains an important pathogen for the broad spectrum of immunocompromised individuals, despite significant advances in antimicrobial therapy. Cotrimoxazole is recommended as the drug of choice for the prevention and treatment of PCP.