Why do people with HIV get pneumonia?

People with HIV are more likely to get pneumonia than people who are not infected with HIV. Some of the reasons why people with HIV are at increased risk of pneumonia include:

Weakened immune system: HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response. This weakening of the immune system makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, such as pneumonia.

Increased risk of exposure: People with HIV are more likely to come into contact with the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia. For example, they may live in crowded conditions or have contact with people who have respiratory infections.

HIV-associated lung disease: Some people with HIV develop HIV-associated lung disease (HALD), which can further increase the risk of pneumonia. HALD is a condition that is caused by HIV infection of the lungs and can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue.

Other co-infections: People with HIV are more likely to have other co-infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can also increase the risk of pneumonia.

Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia, and people with HIV are more likely to smoke than people who are not infected with HIV.

Poor access to healthcare: People with HIV may not have access to adequate healthcare, which can make it more difficult for them to receive the treatment they need for pneumonia.