Search

Lebanon is considered among the countries where the HIV epidemic is still in its early phase of spread. Little information is available on the magnitude of the problem due to the lack of an efficient surveillance system. In this review, we report on the epidemiology of HIV infection in Lebanon, based on limited data generated by the Lebanese National AIDS Control Program (NAP). By May 2005, a cumulative number of 813 cases had been diagnosed. The most prevalent mode of HIV transmission in Lebanon is heterosexual exposure accounting for around 50% of the cases. Two hundred ninety-six patients (36.4%) fulfilled the AIDS case definition. Despite the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) provided by the Ministry of Health, the disease burden of HIV infection remains unknown in this country.

Fungal infections of the urinary tract are increasing in incidence, mostly because of the increasing use of antibacterial agents and indwelling urinary catheters. This review will focus mainly on the spectrum of genitourinary infections caused by Candida spp., including asymptomatic candiduria, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and renal candidiasis. Special emphasis will be placed on the therapeutic approach to the various clinical entities. Other fungal infections, such as urinary aspergillosis and cryptococcosis will be discussed briefly.