Ganciclovir is administered at 5 mg/kg bd iv for 21 days [120]. Foscarnet (90 mg/kg bd iv) or cidofovir (5 mg/kg per week Selleck Caspase inhibitor iv) are alternatives in those who are not responsive or who are intolerant to ganciclovir therapy although data in

CMV pneumonia in HIV-seropositive individuals are limited [128]. Valganciclovir 900 mg bd po is an alternative for individuals able to tolerate oral therapy or for whom a switch from intravenous therapy is indicated. Although there is no clinical trial evidence to support the use of CMV prophylaxis, in the exceptional patient with a persistently low CD4 count, detectable CMV viraemia and no HIV treatment options, CMV prophylaxis may be considered. The vast majority of patients with low CD4 T-cell counts will not require CMV prophylaxis. Valganciclovir prophylaxis (900 mg od or bd) can be considered in selected individuals when the CD4 count remains <50 cells/μL, there STA-9090 is persistent detection of CMV DNA or CMV viraemia, coupled with a low risk of prompt immune reconstitution by HAART and there is no evidence of CMV end-organ disease (category IV recommendation), since detection of CMV DNA is a risk factor for death in this setting over and above the risk of low CD4 T-cell count or HIV viraemia [129]. Maintenance

therapy with valganciclovir is not initially required after treatment of CMV pneumonia but may be added if CMV pneumonia relapses or if extra-pulmonary disease is present. Valganciclovir may be considered

as primary prophylaxis in selected patients with persistent immunosuppression and detectable CMV DNA; or as secondary prophylaxis in those with relapse of CMV pneumonia after appropriate primary therapy (category IV recommendation). HAART has decreased the incidence of all forms of CMV disease and CMV pneumonia is now rare. CMV IRIS occurs more commonly as an ocular complication, although case reports of CMV IRIS in the lung exist [130]. Studies of HIV-seropositive individuals have not very consistently demonstrated a greater incidence of IAV; they have, however, suggested a greater risk of more severe disease [131,132], but this likely reflects an association with concomitant medical comorbidities [133]. In suspected cases diagnosis is confirmed by detection of viral antigen or viral culture from nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) or nasal swab specimen [131]. HIV-seropositive individuals should receive the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir (assuming the majority of circulating strains in a given flu season show susceptibility) (category IV recommendation). HIV-seropositive individuals should be treated when IAV is documented, and fever >38.0 °C has been present for less than 48 h, although for individuals with significant immunosuppression (CD4 T-cell count <200 cells/μL) treatment may be administered if afebrile or if symptoms have been present for more than 48 h.