Pathogenesis of HIV and the lung

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2013 Mar;10(1):42-50. doi: 10.1007/s11904-012-0140-x.

Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy has improved longevity for HIV-infected persons, but long-term HIV infection is now complicated by increased rates of chronic medical conditions including pulmonary disorders. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension are becoming common comorbidities of HIV infection, and these diseases may develop as a result of HIV-related risk factors, such as antiretroviral drug toxicities, colonization by infectious organisms, HIV viremia, immune activation, or immune dysfunction. It also appears that the ability to control HIV infection does not completely eliminate the risk for infectious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis. The effect of HIV infection on lung-specific immune responses is being elucidated to help develop better prevention and treatment strategies in HIV-infected persons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Disease
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology
  • Pneumonia / etiology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / etiology
  • Risk Factors