Bacterial pneumonia associated with HIV-1 infection.

Bacterial pneumonia remains an important cause of treatable morbidity among HIV-1-infected persons. These pneumonias occur at all CD4 counts but are especially common as the HIV-1 infection progresses. Bronchopneumonia should be considered particularly in the setting of segmental or lobar consolidation associated with productive cough and fever. S. pneumoniae remains the most common pathogen causing bronchopneumonia. Because of the high rate of bacteremia, diagnosis may be facilitated by blood cultures. Treatment is similar to management of HIV-1-seronegative persons, although drug resistance against some bacteria may be an emerging problem. Several opportunities exist for prevention, and these should be pursued vigorously.