HIV and opportunistic bacterial disease: Which common bacterial infections are frequently associated with HIV infection, particularly as immunosuppression progresses?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: all of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
As HIV infection advances and CD4 counts fall, susceptibility to bacterial pathogens increases. Recognizing the range of common bacterial infections helps clinicians anticipate, prevent, and treat opportunistic disease.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Patients with HIV can develop both typical and opportunistic bacterial infections.
  • Mycobacterial disease (tuberculosis and non-tuberculous species), nontyphoidal Salmonella bacteremia, and Bartonella infections are known associations.
  • The item asks which of the listed are frequently observed in HIV disease.



Concept / Approach:
Each listed organism group is well documented among people with HIV. Tuberculosis risk is elevated at all stages; disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex rises at low CD4 counts. Recurrent Salmonella bacteremia is an AIDS-defining condition in many settings. Bartonella (e.g., B. henselae) can cause bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis hepatis.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Match each infection with known HIV-related syndromes (TB, disseminated MAC; Salmonella bacteremia; Bartonella-associated vascular proliferations).Confirm that all three appear with increased frequency relative to the general population.Therefore, select the comprehensive choice ‘‘all of these’’.



Verification / Alternative check:
Clinical guidelines and opportunistic infection manuals list these conditions among major bacterial complications in advanced HIV disease.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Choosing only one or two would omit other true associations; ‘‘none’’ contradicts established epidemiology.



Common Pitfalls:
Assuming only mycobacterial disease is relevant; overlooking vascular proliferative lesions of Bartonella or recurrent Salmonella bacteremia as hallmark bacterial issues in advanced HIV.



Final Answer:
all of these.


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