IDCases (Jan 2021)
Co-infection with coronavirus disease 2019, previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, with possible immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Abstract
Background: Case reports, case series and cohort studies have been published describing the clinical course and outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) who contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. However, the majority of the published work focuses on patients with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Case presentation: We present a case of a new diagnosis of HIV with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) made simultaneously to diagnosis of COVID-19, with co-infection with pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and possible cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. The patient decompensated following initiation of ART, suggestive of possible immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Conclusions: This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for HIV/AIDS in patients with risk factors. Additionally, this case raises the possibility that IRIS may develop in the setting of ART initiation in patients with COVID-19.