Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and parasitic diseases in Puerto Rico
Hillyer, G.V.; Climent, C.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 80(9): 312-319
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 3142494 Document Number: 310177
In Puerto Rico, since the first diagnosis and death due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, the numbers of cases and deaths have increased steadily to 1253 cases and 741 deaths as of May, 1988 (Update note 1526 cases and 900 deaths as of August 2). On the mainland USA the preponderance of AIDS cases are due to homosexual or bisexual males. The cases in Puerto Rico differ from those of the mainland in that they are mostly heterosexual drug addicts. Moreover, parasitic infections are commonly seen in association with AIDS cases and deaths in Puerto Rico. Those parasitic infections most commonly seen are Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and Toxoplasma gondii meningoencephalitis. Others less commonly seen include infection with Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis. Cases of infection with Isospora belli (n=1) and Cryptosporidum (n=2) have also been observed per mortem, but were not present at autopsy. This article reviews the current status of these parasitic infections, their life cycles, and their diagnosis in relation to AIDS in Puerto Rico.