Introduction
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic has become a well-known global health problem specially in the last decade. Due to the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of new HIV infections has declined, and the number of AIDS-related deaths in adults and children worldwide has plateaued (1).
Many of the clinical features of HIV/AIDS can be ascribed to the profound immune deficiency which develops in infected patients. The destruction of the immune system by the virus results in opportunistic infection, as well as an increased risk of autoimmune disease and malignancy. HIV-related complications are rarely encountered in patients with preserved immunity (i.e. CD4 T-cell counts greater than 500 cells/mm3). The risk of developing opportunistic infections and malignancies typical of AIDS increases progressively as CD4 counts fall below 200 cells/mm3 (2).
However, the respiratory system is still one of the most frequently affected organ systems in HIV-infected patients, and opportunistic pulmonary infections (OPIs) remain a major threat (3). The pathogens may be bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, or viruses as well.