Document 2612
 DOCN  M94A2612
 TI    HIV/AIDS; concurrent neurosyphilis.
 DT    9412
 AU    Paz RB; Palhares MC; Ueda M; Reference/Training Center-SDT/AIDS Group,
       Sao Paulo, Brazil.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):264 (abstract no. PB0484). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369963
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of neurosyphilis in patients (px)
       attended at Reference & Training Center for SDT/AIDS, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
       METHODS: From 279 HIV positive px with CSN alteration or neurologic
       complain clinically assessed by CDC criteria, 376 paired serum/CSF
       samples were obtained. According to VDRL/FTA-ABS reactivity the px were
       divided into 2 groups: A. 16 px with reactive tests in both samples; B.
       101 with reactive tests in serum only. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) status
       was evaluated according to REIBER & FELGENHAUER graph method (1987).
       HIV-1 antibody (Ab) assays were carried out in paired samples. Lumbar
       CSF was analysed for cells count and protein level. RESULTS &
       CONCLUSIONS: Intact BBB was observed in 10 px (group A) in one or more
       paired samples. Based on clinical data, laboratory findings and from the
       analysis of sequential paired samples, of 16 px (group A) none was
       suffering from neurosyphilis but 3 had ophtalmic syphilis, indicating
       that reactive CSF were due to transudation of specific Ab throug intact
       or impaired barrier resulting from other pathologic agents in CNS.
       Individuals of group B with impaired BBB but presenting non-reactive CSF
       serology for syphilis could be explained by low sensitivity of these
       tests in detecting low levels of Ab.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*DIAGNOSIS/EPIDEMIOLOGY  AIDS-Related
       Opportunistic Infections/*DIAGNOSIS/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Blood-Brain
       Barrier/PHYSIOLOGY  Brazil/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Cross-Sectional Studies  Human
       HIV Infections/*DIAGNOSIS/EPIDEMIOLOGY  *HIV-1  Incidence
       Neurosyphilis/*DIAGNOSIS/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Syphilis Serodiagnosis  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).