Opportunistic infections in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A comparison of clinical and autopsy findings

Hung Jen Tang, Yung Ching Liu, Muh Young Yen, Yao Shen Chen, Shue Ren Wann, Hsi Hsun Lin, Susan Shin Jung Lee, Wei Ru Lin, Chun Kai Huang, Bo An Su, Ping Chin Chang, Chien Ming Li, Hui Hua Tseng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Many opportunistic infections causing death in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients are often not diagnosed prior to death. The objective of this study was to compare the premortem and postmortem diagnoses of opportunistic infections and tumors among 15 AIDS patients treated in a hospital in southern Taiwan. Methods: Total autopsy (brain, chest and abdominal cavity) was performed in 2 patients, and partial autopsy in 13. Results: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, candidiasis, lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis were more commonly diagnosed before death than at autopsy. By contrast, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus infections were more frequently diagnosed at postmortem examinations than prior to death. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found substantial discrepancies between autopsy findings and premortem clinical diagnoses in AIDS patients, especially for CMV infection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)310-315
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection
Volume39
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • Autopsy
  • Opportunistic infections

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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