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

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J Biller, Section Editor)
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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    Fritzie Albarillo

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Presence Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Fritzie Albarillo

  3. Northwest Infectious Disease Consultants SC, 7900 Milwaukee Ave. Suite 231A, Niles, IL, 60714, USA

    Fritzie Albarillo

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Avenue, Building 102, Room 7604, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Paul O’Keefe

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Albarillo, F., O’Keefe, P. Opportunistic Neurologic Infections in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 16, 10 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-015-0603-8

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