This study reviews the deaths and autopsies carried out over 23 years, 1983-2005, in a British Infection Unit in HIV patients. Of 115 HIV patients known to have died, we obtained data on 93%. Of this 80% were male, median age 38 (25-68) years; 83% were Caucasian; 12% Black African. Major risk factors were men who have sex with men, 52%; heterosexual in Africa, 17%; and injecting drug use, 8%. The commonest diagnosis pre- and post-autopsy diagnosis was pneumonia. Changes in diagnoses in the 38% who underwent autopsy were high (we requested autopsy in 50%). Primary diagnosis changed in 70%, and 36% of all opportunistic infections were missed. This included six of nine cytomegalovirus, all tuberculosis and 75% of Kaposi's sarcoma. Lymphoma was overdiagnosed. Thus, despite excellent resources, the majority of primary diagnoses were wrong, suggesting inadequacy of current diagnostics. To improve these and improve both epidemiological data and future management autopsy should be considered for all deaths.

We describe the first reported case of Candida pelliculosa meningitis in HIV infection. This case highlights the risk of uncommon opportunistic infections in association with the immunocompromised and the importance of autopsy as a diagnostic tool in HIV infection. We discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of C. pelliculosa, a non-albicans species which is rarely associated with disease, and review current literature.

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E. coli O157 infection tends to occur sporadically in rural areas in North East Scotland. It is not usually associated with fever. Infection occurs more commonly in the summer and autumn. HUS complicates infection in almost one fifth of patients.

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