Objectives:

Severe bacterial infections (SBIs) are, alongside TB and cryptococcal meningitis, one of the leading causes of death in patients with advanced HIV disease. This session equips clinicians to recognise the often subtle presentation of invasive bacterial disease in people living with HIV, to investigate appropriately within scope of practice, and to initiate timeous empiric therapy and referral. It works through the 2026 guideline’s SBI framework, including the cadre-based “who, where and what” of investigating and managing SBIs and the inpatient approach to a patient with a pulmonary or meningeal presentation.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
•    Define SBIs and explain their contribution to morbidity and mortality in advanced HIV disease
•    Recognise the clinical danger signs and subtle features of invasive bacterial disease in PLHIV
•    Apply the minimum diagnostic work-up (blood cultures, relevant clinical specimens, FBC and kidney function) before commencing antibiotics
•    Determine the appropriate level of care and scope-of-practice actions for nurses and clinicians, including timeous referral
•    Describe the principles of empiric broad-spectrum therapy and the diagnostic overlap with TB and PJP in the seriously ill patient

Video 

Speakers:

Dr Musa Manganye
Director HIV Treatment, Care and Support

Dr Lesego Mawela
HIV Clinician & Facilitator: Clinical Care Platform