Updates to the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Section of the Adult and Adolescent Opportunistic Infections Guidelines

Updates to the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Section of the Adult and Adolescent Opportunistic Infections Guidelines

The Community-Acquired Pneumonia (formerly Bacterial Respiratory Disease) section of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents with HIV has been updated. The Panel updated the text, epidemiology, strength of recommendations, and references throughout the section and made the following key changes:

• Added a Microbiology section with updated risk factors for drug-resistant pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Added a clear recommendation section for diagnostic testing based on the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including the use of blood cultures, sputum stains and cultures, and urinary antigen testing
• Added considerations regarding the use of rapid nasal swabs for MRSA in diagnostic evaluation and empiric treatment
• Provided an updated summary of the general approach to the treatment of bacterial pneumonia in people living with HIV
• Reviewed treatment recommendations for concurrence with the 2019 American Thoracic Society (ATS)/Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CAP guidelines
• Expanded the discussion of pneumonia severity scales in people living with HIV
• Commented on indications for telavancin and ceftaroline
• Added discussion regarding the use of corticosteroids in CAP, including caution with influenza pneumonia and limited data to support use in CAP for people living with HIV

October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016, Hispanics/Latinos accounted for 26% of the new HIV diagnoses in the United States and six dependent areas. October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, an annual observance to promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in Hispanic/Latino communities. To learn more, visit the AIDSinfo National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day webpage [en español].