Campylobacter infections HIV patients

Q: Initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients may __________ the risk of Campylobacter diarrhea/infection? (select one)

A) decreases

B) increases

Answer: A

As expected, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have an increased incidence of campylobacter infection. Moreover, there is a higher chance of long-term carriage, giving rise to recurrent episodes of enteritis, and sometimes bacteremia. 

Once these patients are started on Antiretroviral therapy, they have a reduced risk of Campylobacter infection.

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References:

1. Tee W, Mijch A. Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and non-HIV-infected patients: comparison of clinical features and review. Clin Infect Dis 1998; 26:91.

2. Larsen IK, Gradel KO, Helms M, et al. Non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter infections among HIV-positive patients in Denmark. Scand J Infect Dis 2011; 43:3.