A Case of Suspected COVID-19 Identified with AIDS, PCP and Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), while PCP (Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia), tuberculosis, CMV (Cytomegalovirus) and candidiasis are the OIs (opportunistic infections) occurring due to immune deficiency. OIs, and bacterial pneumonias in particular, are the most common causes of mortality, which makes the screening and prophylactic therapy for OIs necessary. The synergy between tuberculosis and HIV has long been known, and worsens the prognosis. PCP is an OI that is caused by a fungus named P. jiroveci. COVID-19 has emerged as a new cause of death among AIDS patients. Screening and prophylactic therapy for Ols is vital for patients with AIDS, however, mortality may be high due to delays in screening and prophylaxis in those whose HIV positivity is detected coincidentally. We report here on a patient who applied to our hospital with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia who was found during followup to be HIV positive with PCP and pulmonary tuberculosis.