Cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV/AIDS patients

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has the ability to affect any organ in the body. In 70% of HIV-infected patients ocular manifestations were observed, which in the vast majority reflect the systemic disease and may be the first sign of a disseminated infection. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence and the clinical aspects of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) patients. Method: The study is retrospective, conducted in the Ophthalmology Office of "Matei Bals" Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bucharest during the period August 1, 2007 - August 1, 2013. Each patient was examined thoroughly at the slit lamp biomicroscope by using a lens of 90D and a 20D lens using the indirect microscope after administration of topical mydriatics. Results: 131 patients were followed for HIV / AIDS with posterior segment ocular involvement. 36.64% of the 131 patients having affected the posterior segment have been diagnosed with CMV retinitis. Conclusions: Doctors should be aware of the existence of ocular damage in HIV/AIDS and to emphasize the importance of regular ophthalmologic examination of patients with HIV/AIDS. Abbreviations: HIV- human immunodeficiency virus, AIDS- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, CMV retinitis- cytomegalovirus retinitis