Laboratory parameters in bacterial pneumonia in HIV-infected patients

Purpose. To evaluate laboratory parameters in patients with bacterial pneumonia against the background of HIV-infection, depending on the established fact of injection drug use (IDU) by the patient. Materials and methods. The clinical and immunological data of 224 patients with HIV infection and pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed: Group 1 (n=70) – patients with HIV-infection, with an established etiology of bacterial pneumonia, IDU; Group 2 (n=16) – patients with HIV-infection and pneumonia of unknown etiology, IDU; Group 3 (n=65) – patients with HIV-infection and bacterial pneumonia of unknown etiology, without IDU; Group 4 (n=73) – patients with HIV-infection and bacterial pneumonia of unknown etiology, without IDU. Results. The immunological manifestations of HIV-infection and bacterial pneumonia are characterized by a decrease in CD4+ and an increase in CD3+- and CD8+-cells, more pronounced in individuals who are not injection drug users; they also have the highest viral load values during the development of pneumonia. Laboratory parameters in patients with HIV-infection with pneumonia were characterized by the absence of leukocytosis and high levels of C-reactive protein. Decreased hemoglobin, platelet levels, and abnormal liver function tests for IDU were typical. During treatment, patients without IDU showed weakly expressed positive trends in changes in laboratory parameters. Conclusion. When seeking medical help, all patients should undergo an X-ray examination of the lungs, even if changes in laboratory parameters are not pronounced and atypical for inflammation, if doubts arise about the patient’s HIV status.