Central nervous system viral ”escape” and neuronal damage in HIV-1 infection
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Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine,
Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has had a major impact in reducing HIV-1 related disease in the CNS, including HIV-associated dementia, but milder forms of neurocognitive impairment remains prevalent.
Although ART is usually effective in lowering HIV-1 RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as in plasma, cases of viral "escape" in CSF have been described.
We have previously shown that 10% of effectively treated patients had detectable levels of HIV-1 RNA in CSF despite having undetectable levels in plasma, suggesting that some individuals may have a continuous low grade CNS infection.
Our current research project will evaluate the occurrence of detectable CSF HIV-1 RNA longitudinally, in relation to immune activation and neuronal damage.
We have previously shown that 10% of effectively treated patients had detectable levels of HIV-1 RNA in CSF despite having undetectable levels in plasma, suggesting that some individuals may have a continuous low grade CNS infection.
Our current research project will evaluate the occurrence of detectable CSF HIV-1 RNA longitudinally, in relation to immune activation and neuronal damage.
