Opportunistic Neurologic Infections in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2016 Jan;16(1):10. doi: 10.1007/s11910-015-0603-8.

Abstract

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) especially in the resource-limited regions of the world. Diagnosis of these infections may be challenging because findings on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and brain imaging are nonspecific. While brain biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis, it is an invasive procedure associated with a relatively low mortality rate, thus less invasive modalities have been studied in recent years. Diagnosis, therefore, can be established based on a combination of a compatible clinical syndrome, radiologic and CSF findings, and understanding of the role of HIV in these infections. The most common CNS opportunistic infections are AIDS-defining conditions; thus, treatment of these infections in combination with HAART has greatly improved survival.

Keywords: AIDS; CNS infections; HIV; Opportunistic infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Central Nervous System Infections / epidemiology
  • Central Nervous System Infections / etiology*
  • Central Nervous System Infections / prevention & control
  • Central Nervous System Infections / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology*
  • Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control
  • Opportunistic Infections / therapy