Development of multiple abscesses in an HIV/TB co-infected patient after initiation of antituberculous and highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Since the use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for HIV infection, there have been increasing reports of systemic manifestations of immune restoration. This new clinical syndrome among HIV-infected patients is associated with underlying co-infections with mycobacteria, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C infections, etc.... We report on an HIV/tuberculosis (TB) co-infected patient who developed an immune restoration inflammatory syndrome after initiation of HAART and anti-TB treatment. She developed fever, large abscesses and pleural and peritoneal effusions. Systemic symptoms decreased during corticosteroid treatment, but abscesses only disappeared 8 months after the start of the anti-TB treatment.