However, we are seeing cases of MAC in people who have recently begun the three-drug regimen. The symptoms they present, however, are different from what we used to see. Similarly, we find some individuals who were desensitized successfully from the side effects of Bactrim now experiencing fevers from Bactrim, once they begin taking protease inhibitors. On the other hand, we have people infected with cryptosporidium, a very tough opportunistic infection to treat, who get better once they begin using a protease inhibitor. Sinusitis was the most common bacterial infection, followed by bacterial pneumonia.
Women are at greater risk than men for sinusitis and other bacterial infections.
Finally, researchers found a strong association between KS and risk of serious infection. We know that these infections can increase the viral load. Infections also negatively impact longevity. Finally, a few words on wasting syndrome, a condition of late stage HIV disease that is often lumped in with opportunistic infections. People who suffer from wasting not only don't take in enough calories, but they also have a metabolism that has speeded up.