HIV Enteropathy
Protein-Losing Enteropathies
Special histologic stains are rarely beneficial for the evaluation of HIV-related gastrointestinal infections. (1/14)
During a 28-month period, endoscopic mucosal biopsy specimens from all HIV-infected patients were submitted for routine histologic evaluation. Immunoperoxidase staining for cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus antigens (esophagus), mycobacterial and fungal staining, and Gram staining of mucosal biopsy specimens were done. Special fungal and acid-fast stains were selectively performed in patients with absolute CD4 cell counts of less than 200 cells per microliter (200 x 10(6)/L) and/or with diarrhea and or wasting syndrome. Treatment was based on the endoscopic and histologic findings, and long-term follow-up was performed. The 121 symptomatic HIV-infected patients underwent 221 upper and/or lower endoscopies with 285 biopsy sites. The sensitivity and specificity of H&E staining for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus were 97% and 100%, respectively. The results of fungal and mycobacterial stains neither altered therapy nor identified previously undiagnosed infections in any patient. Long-term follow-up revealed no patient in whom an infection was missed on routine H&E, which affected outcome. Routine H&E staining is accurate for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients. Special histologic stains for fungal, mycobacterial, and viral infections did not increase the diagnostic yield or alter medical therapy but doubled the costs. (+info)Monocyte/macrophage traffic in HIV and SIV encephalitis. (2/14)
This short review focuses on the role of central nervous system (CNS) perivascular macrophages as targets of productive infection of the CNS. Data discussed include the importance of these cells as early targets of infection and their productive infection with AIDS. Many of the immune molecules on perivascular macrophages are also found on subsets of blood monocyte/macrophages, some of which are expanded during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These observations paired with the known bone marrow (BM) origin of perivascular macrophages and the BM as a site of HIV infection underscore the importance of the study of monocyte populations in the BM and blood, which are activated and infected as a source of virus that enters the CNS. Data presented and discussed herein suggest a role of HIV-infected BM-derived monocytes as "Trojan horse" cells that traffic to the CNS to become perivascular macrophages. The study of such cells including their timing of infection, activation, and traffic and the role of HIV-specific immune responses controlling their accumulation in the CNS warrant study with regard to CNS neuropathogenesis. (+info)HIV infection and the gastrointestinal immune system. (3/14)
(+info)Small intestine CD4+ cell reduction and enteropathy in simian/human immunodeficiency virus KS661-infected rhesus macaques in the presence of low viral load. (4/14)
(+info)Gastric and intestinal barrier impairment in tropical enteropathy and HIV: limited impact of micronutrient supplementation during a randomised controlled trial. (5/14)
(+info)Inflammation and epithelial cell injury in AIDS enteropathy: involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress. (6/14)
(+info)Detection of Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with HIV/AIDS by using a simplified iron hematoxylin technique. (7/14)
(+info)Enteropathies in the developing world: neglected effects on global health. (8/14)
(+info)HIV enteropathy is a term used to describe intestinal damage and dysfunction that can occur in people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It is thought to be caused by the direct effects of the virus on the cells lining the intestine, as well as by the immune response to the virus.
The main features of HIV enteropathy include increased permeability of the intestinal lining (which can lead to the leakage of bacteria and other particles into the bloodstream), inflammation, and malabsorption of nutrients. This can result in a range of symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and malnutrition.
It's important to note that HIV enteropathy is not the same as opportunistic infections (OIs) of the gastrointestinal tract, which can also occur in people with HIV/AIDS. OIs are caused by other infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that take advantage of the weakened immune system in advanced HIV disease.
The diagnosis of HIV enteropathy is often one of exclusion, meaning that other potential causes of gastrointestinal symptoms must be ruled out first. Treatment typically involves addressing any underlying opportunistic infections or other conditions, as well as providing supportive care to manage symptoms and optimize nutritional status. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is also a critical component of treatment, as it can help to restore immune function and reduce intestinal damage caused by the virus.
Protein-losing enteropathies (PLE) refer to a group of conditions characterized by excessive loss of proteins from the gastrointestinal tract into the intestinal lumen and ultimately into the stool. This results in hypoproteinemia, which is a decrease in the concentration of proteins in the bloodstream, particularly albumin.
The protein loss can occur due to various reasons such as increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa, lymphatic obstruction, or inflammatory processes affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes of PLE include conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphangiectasia, celiac disease, Whipple's disease, and menetrier's disease.
Symptoms of PLE may include edema, ascites, weight loss, diarrhea, and fatigue. The diagnosis of PLE typically involves measuring the concentration of proteins in the stool, as well as other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment of PLE depends on the underlying cause and may involve dietary modifications, medications, or surgical interventions.