Abstract
Prophylaxis against opportunistic infections is a major part of the care of patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Prophylactic treatment of
Pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia has been clearly shown to prevent initial episodes, as well as relapse, and to prolong survival.
1
–
4
The effectiveness of preventive therapy for
Mycobacterium avium
infection has also been demonstrated.
5
Invasive fungal infections, especially with
Cryptococcus neoformans,
occur in 5 to 10 percent of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
6
,
7
In addition, mucocutaneous candidiasis is almost ubiquitous in patients with advanced HIV disease, and recurrent infection causes considerable morbidity.
Fluconazole is an . . .
