Neuroimaging markers of human immunodeficiency virus infection in South Africa

J Neurovirol. 2012 Jun;18(3):151-6. doi: 10.1007/s13365-012-0090-5. Epub 2012 Apr 12.

Abstract

Previous studies have reported cognitive deficits among HIV-positive individuals infected with clade C virus. However, no study has examined whether individuals predominately infected with clade C virus exhibit brain atrophy relative to healthy controls. This study examined volumetric differences between 28 HIV+ individuals and 23 HIV- controls from South Africa. Volumetric measures were obtained from six regions of interest -- caudate, thalamus, corpus callosum, total cortex, total gray matter, and total white matter. HIV+ participants had significantly lower volumes in the total white matter (p<0.01), thalamus (p<0.01) and total gray matter (inclusive of cortical and subcortical regions, p<0.01). This study is the first to provide evidence of brain atrophy among HIV+ individuals in South Africa, where HIV clade C predominates. Additional research that integrates neuroimaging, comprehensive neuropsychological testing, genetic variance in clade-specific proteins, and the impact of treatment with Antiretrovirals (ARV) are necessary to understand the development of HIV-related neurocognitive disorders in South Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Dementia Complex / diagnosis
  • AIDS Dementia Complex / drug therapy
  • AIDS Dementia Complex / pathology
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cognition
  • Female
  • HIV / physiology*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Organ Size
  • South Africa

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents