Treatment training for advocatesThis table summarises the OIs and coinfections discussed in section 5, together with the impact of ARV treatment.
Table: OIs and coinfections and the impact of ARVs
| Opportunistic infection | CD4 risk level (cells/mm3) | Prophylaxis | Protection returns after ARVs increase CD4 count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer: sarcoma and lymphoma | Varies. Can be any CD4. NHL usually 200 or less | None | Varies depending on lymphoma. KS can resolve on ARVs alone. |
| Malaria | Any CD4 | No* | Yes |
| Hepatitis B and C | Any CD4 | None for hepatitis C. Vaccination for hepatitis B. | No, but response to hepatitis C treatment is stronger |
| TB (lungs) | 500 or less | No* | No |
| Candida and other skin problems. Herpes | 300 or less | No* | Yes |
| Gut infections: giardia, cryptosporidia, microsporidia | 300 or less | None, care with food and water etc | Yes |
| Wasting syndrome | 300 or less usually | None | Yes |
| PCP | 200 or less | Yes | Yes |
| Toxoplasmosis | 200 or less | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptococcal meningitis | 100 or less | Sometimes* | Yes |
| MAI/MAC | 100 or less | No* | Yes |
| CMV | 50 or less | No* | Yes |
* Drugs can be used for prophylaxis, but risks of side effects and developing resistance usually outweight benefits of protection.