Nosocomial Infections in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is characterized by a serious disorder of the immune system in which the protective defenses against infection cannot function leaving the individual vulnerable to severe infections and conditions. This results in opportunistic infections causing an unfavourable outcome. Since its discovery in 1981 when the first cases were described, HIV/AIDS continues to affect people globally. According to the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) and WHO (World Health Organization) 2009 AIDS epidemic update report, the estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide in 2008 was 33.4 million (UNAIDS 2009). Ultimately there is a high prevalence of HIV infection among patients admitted to hospitals as well as a high prevalence of AIDS patients as a result of opportunistic infections related to their HIV status or advanced AIDS (Mbanya, Ateudjieu et al. 2010).