Most common cause of death in AIDS patients?

Options

A. Tuberculosis
B. Pneumonia
C. Candidiasis
D. Cancer

Answer

To determine the most common cause of death in AIDS patients, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Tuberculosis (TB)**:
- TB is caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.
- It is known to be a common opportunistic infection in individuals with HIV/AIDS, especially in resource-limited settings.
- TB can severely affect the lungs and other organs, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients.

2. **Pneumonia**:
- Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, with *Streptococcus pneumoniae* being one of the common bacterial causes.
- While pneumonia is a significant concern for AIDS patients, it is not as prevalent as TB in terms of mortality.

3. **Candidiasis**:
- Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast *Candida*.
- Although it can be serious, it is generally not the leading cause of death compared to TB in AIDS patients.

4. **Cancer**:
- Cancer can occur in AIDS patients due to immunosuppression, but it is not the most common cause of death.
- The types of cancers associated with AIDS are often related to viral infections, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, but again, they do not surpass TB in terms of mortality rates.

After evaluating these options, we conclude that the most common cause of death in AIDS patients is **A. Tuberculosis**.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Identify the options**: The question provides four potential causes of death in AIDS patients.
2. **Analyze each option**: Consider the prevalence and impact of each condition in the context of AIDS.
3. **Focus on opportunistic infections**: Recognize that AIDS patients are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
4. **Determine the leading cause**: Based on evidence, tuberculosis is the most common opportunistic infection and leading cause of death in AIDS patients.
5. **Select the correct answer**: Conclude that the answer is A. Tuberculosis.