Variables that influence HIV-1 cerebrospinal fluid viral load in cryptococcal meningitis: a linear regression analysis


Central nervous system (CNS) is considered a sanctuary site for HIV-1 replication. Variables associated to HIV cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral load in the context of opportunistic CNS infections are poorly understood.

Our objective was to evaluate the relation between: 1- CSF HIV-1 viral load and CSF cytological and biochemical characteristics (leukocyte count, protein concentration, cryptococcal antigen titer); 2- CSF HIV-1 viral load and HIV-1 plasma viral load; 3- CSF leukocyte count and the peripheral blood CD4+ T-lymphocyte count.

Methods: Our approach was to use a prospective collection and analysis of pretreatment paired CSF and plasma samples from antiretroviral naive HIV-positive patients with cryptococcal meningitis assisted at the Francisco J. Muniz Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina (period 2004-2006).

We measured HIV CSF and plasma levels by polymerase chain reaction using the Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Test version 1.5 (Roche). Data were processed with Statistix 7.0 software (linear regression analysis).

Results: Samples from 34 patients were analyzed.

CSF leukocyte count showed statistically significant correlation with CSF HIV-1 viral load (r = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.13 - 0.63 p = 0.01). No correlation was found with the plasma viral load, CSF protein concentration and cryptococcal antigen titer.

A positive correlation was found between peripheral blood CD4+ T-lymphocyte count and the CSF leukocyte count (r = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.125 - 0.674, p = 0.0123).

Conclusions: Our study suggests that CSF leukocyte count influences CSF HIV-1 viral load in patients with meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.

Author: Diego CecchiniAna CanizalHaroldo RojasAlicia ArechavalaRicardo NegroniMaria BouzasJorge Benetucci
Credits/Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society 2009, 2:8



Published on: 2009-11-11

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