Community-acquired viral pneumonia in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

Abstract

Respiratory viruses (RV) have become an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompromised patients with the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. The advances in molecular diagnostic methods have increased our understanding of the role of viruses in pneumonia. However, little is known about their impact on patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this review, we focus on the most prevalent RV that has been implicated in viral respiratory infections, particularly in pneumonia in HIV infected patients. We discuss the epidemiologic characteristics and clinical presentations of these viral infections and the most appropriate diagnostic approaches and therapies if available.