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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has spread to every country in the world and has infected about 60 million persons worldwide, including 20 million who have already died. In Poland are infected 11,181 people. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HART) has significantly prolonged the survival of HIV-positive patient. HIV infection can cause end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through both HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and antiretroviral drug toxicity. Until recently, chronic dialysis (HD or PD) was the only form of treatment available for these patients. Kidney transplantation is an alternative method to dialysis and improve the quality of life in HIV-positive ESRD patients. In this article authors present the general information about HIV infection (epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment) as well as methods of therapy ESRD like hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and kidney transplantation.

A serological survey of 78 zoologist capturing small wild rodents in their environment, 9 patients with suspected hantavirus infections and 21 patients with acute renal dysfunction for antibodies to hantaviruses was conducted in Poland. Survey was done by the indirect ELISA with Puumala and Hantaan virus antigens. Out of the 78 mammalogists 15 were seropositive for hantavirus Puumala IgG without history of clinical illness. Analysis of relation between reactive zoologist's sera IgG with antigens of Puumala and Hantaan viruses suggests that these persons had contact with Puumala/Tula viruses rather than with Dobrava/Saaremaa complex. Analysis of results of IgG and IgM presence by ELISA test have confirmed correct interpretation criteria proposed by manufacturer for serological diagnosis of suspected hantavirus infection. Both cross and unspecific reactions in the some sera have been observed. Low number of patients with suspected hantavirus infection suggests the existence of underestimation in registration of data collected in Poland and existence of non-diagnosed infections with hantaviring.