Greater Survival among Patients with Immunogenetic Markers Associated with Rapid Progression to Aids: Implications for Nursing Care

Objective: This study sought to verify the influence of changes in sexual behavior after HIVinfection diagnosis, including the adoption of safe sex practices, among AIDS patients with immunogenetic markers of rapid disease progression. Methods: Twenty-seven AIDS patients, genetically predisposed to rapid AIDS progression, were interviewed. DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were characterized using PCR-amplified DNA hybridized with sequence specific oligonucleotide probes or by sequence-specific primer analyzis. HLA class I antigens were typed using a microlymphocytotoxity assay. Results: In spite of the presence of immunogenetic factors associated with individual predisposition to a rapid evolution of the disease, changes in sexual behavior combined with the use of antiretroviral therapy, may result in greater survival. Conclusion: This suggests that counseling, detection of unsafe sexual practices and health education focusing on positive healthy behavior are tools nursing must use with HIV-positive patients. These tools may help to lead to a greater survival among these individuals, even among those with genetic predisposition to rapid disease progression, with implications for improvement of nursing care programs for HIV-infected patients. Descriptors: AIDS, HIV, HLA, behavior, survival rate, nursing.