Management of chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients: current treatment options, challenges and future directions

• Main Authors: Lidia Elfstrand, Claes-Henrik Florén
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2010-11-01
• Series: HIV/AIDS : Research and Palliative Care
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/management-of-chronic-diarrhea-in-hiv-infected-patients-current-treatm-a5629

Lidia Elfstrand, Claes-Henrik FlorénDepartment of Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, SwedenAbstract: Diarrhea is a common clinical manifestation of HIV infection regardless of whether the patients have AIDS. HIV and malnutrition tend to occur in the same populations, the underprivileged and resource-poor. Malnutrition increases severity and mortality of infection. Occurrence of chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients, gut status and pathogenic agents, nutritional status and the crucial role of nutrition are reviewed. Bovine colostrum-based food can be useful for managing chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients, enhancing both nutritional and immunological status.Keywords: HIV, diarrhea, nutrition, bovine colostrum, CD4+