[Pneumonia caused by non-opportunistic bacteria in patients infected with HIV. Incidence and evaluation of a non-invasive approach].

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia due to pathogenic bacteria is common in HIV infected patients. However, a global overview has not been yet performed and also the effectiveness of a non-invasive approach has not been tested.

METHODS

An open study was conducted in 1989 including all HIV infected patients with a presumptive or definite diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedures were used only in patients with a difficult diagnosis and/or problems in their clinical evolution. Clinical and biological data were compared among different etiologic groups, and their evolution was also recorded in relation with the use of non-invasive procedures.

RESULTS

Among a total of 302 admissions of HIV infected patients, 113 developed a primary or secondary respiratory tract infection. Forty-three of those were bacterial pneumonia episodes. Etiologic diagnosis was achieved with non invasive methods in 18 cases (42%). Blood cultures were the most effective method used. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently identified microorganisms (9 cases, 21%). The identification of other bacteria was linked with more severe forms of disease regarding immunologic (leukopenia, p less than 0.001; T4 lymphopenia, p less than 0.05), and respiratory parameters (hypoxemia, p less than 0.05). Two deaths were directly related with pneumonia of known etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial pneumonia is the most frequent respiratory infection in HIV infected patients. An initial non-invasive approach yields a reasonable percentage of etiologic diagnosis and is not related with a poorer outcome.