Neurological features in AIDS patients: studies on cerebrospinal fluid

Ital J Neurol Sci. 1988 Dec;9(6):567-72. doi: 10.1007/BF02337010.

Abstract

The relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of HIV infection and the spectrum of neurological manifestations were studied in 15 AIDS patients (13 with and 2 without confirmed neurological disorders). We demonstrated the presence of intrathecally synthesized anti-HIV antibodies. Antibodies to HIV envelope proteins were present in all patients but those to HIV core proteins in 9/13 cases only. HIV antigen and HIV p24 antigen were present in 6/14 and 4/12 cases respectively. HIV was not isolated from 6 samples of CSF. We have demonstrated that CSF markers of HIV infection were present in all AIDS patients, with or without neurological manifestations. Moreover HIV p24 antigen seems to be a very reliable marker of HIV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Brain Diseases / immunology
  • Female
  • HIV Antibodies / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • HIV Antigens / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Antigens