REIS, A. B. O.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1076931933654568; REIS, Ana Beatriz de Oliveira.
Resumen:
Opportunistic infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality associated with
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite this, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the
main viable alternative to increase the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. Thus,
this study aimed to carry out a survey on the use of antiretroviral drugs prescribed for PLWHA,
diagnosed with opportunistic infections, assisted by a Specialized Care Service (SAE) in the
city of Caicó/RN. To this end, an epidemiological, analytical and retrospective study was
carried out, in which the collection of sociodemographic data, opportunistic infections and
antiretrovirals was carried out from the patients' medical records. In the period from 2014 to
2020, 214 cases were reported, of which 65 had some opportunistic infection, the most
prevalent being: oral candidiasis (58.46%); cytomegalovirus (16.92%); pulmonary tuberculosis
(12.31%) and herpes zoster (10.77%). In the variables of this study, males prevailed (73.85%);
age between 20 and 39 years (44.61%); income below the minimum wage (50%); incomplete
elementary schooling (37.04%); CD4+ T lymphocyte count > 350 cells/mm3 (54.7%); plasma
viral load > 50 copies (56.7%); infection period 2019 (36.9%); residents of Caicó (36.92%);
and treatment with lamivudine/tenofovir + dolutegravir (70%). It can be concluded that the
predominant ART in SAE/Caicó is in line with the Ministry of Health and that oral candidiasis
remains one of the main co-infections in patients with HIV/AIDS. These results may contribute
to the development of strategies for both adherence to therapy and prevention, focused on
opportunistic infections, reducing the number of cases and contributing to improving the
survival of people living with HIV/AIDS