Author: Felix J. Neumann, Hanna T. Vogel, Lukas M. Schneider
Research Article
Evaluating Early HIV-1 Infection and Its Impact on Neurological Function: A Case-Control Approach
Lukas M. Schneider¹*, Hanna T. Vogel², and Felix J. Neumann¹
¹Department of Neuropathology, Rheinberg Institute of Medical Sciences, Heidelberg, Germany
²Department of Immunology, Bavarian Center for Biomedical Research, Munich, Germany
Abstract
Background: Neurological manifestations during acute/recent HIV-1 infection are not well-characterized. This study aimed to investigate the neurological involvement in patients with acute/recent HIV-1 infection, compare them to those without neurological symptoms, and identify potential risk factors.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted, comparing patients with acute/recent HIV-1 infection presenting with neurological symptoms (cases) to those without (controls). Data were collected on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings (including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, viral load, and CD4/CD8 ratio) and outcomes.
Results: Patients with neurological involvement during acute/recent HIV-1 infection, often presented with meningitis or meningoencephalitis. These patients had significantly higher viral loads and lower CD4/CD8 ratios compared to controls. All cases required hospitalization.With antiretroviral therapy (ART), neurological symptoms resolved without sequelae in all cases.
Conclusion: Neurological complications, though infrequent, are a serious concern during acute/recent HIV-infection. Higher viral load and lower CD4/CD8 ratio may be associated with increased risk. Early diagnosis and prompt ART initiation are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Keywords: HIV-1; Acute HIV infection; Neurological complications; Meningitis
