Infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus Despite the availability of newer therapeutic interventions to improve clinical outcome in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the incidence of infections as a cause of morbidity and mortality has not changed over the past 30 years. SLE itself increases the risk of infection, due to genetic (complement deficiencies) and acquired factors such as functional asplenia (humoral immunodepression) and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. These medications increase the risk of opportunistic infections that are associated with an altered cellular immune response. The main etiologic infectious agents in SLE patients are common bacterial pathogens, especially capsulated ones. The most common sites are lung, skin, bladder, brain and systemic infections. The main risk factor for infection is (Rev Méd Chile 2009; 137: 1367-74).

Background: Pulmonary diseases are common among HIV infected patients. The prevalence of the different diseases varies greatly. Aim: To identify the different pulmonary diseases that affect a Chilean population of HIV infected patients and to (Rev Méd Chile 2005; 133: 517-24).