Quantitative detection of brain aberrations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals by magnetic resonance imaging
Article Abstract:
The later stages of HIV infection are often accompanied by dementia (mental deterioration). Psychometric tests have suggested that impairment of mental function may occur in healthy, asymptomatic HIV-seropositive patients, i.e. those with HIV antibody in their blood who have not yet developed the symptoms of AIDS. However, other studies found no alteration of mental function in asymptomatic HIV positive individuals. To further clarify the issue, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the brains of 65 HIV-seropositive individuals, 20 HIV-seronegative homosexual individuals, 75 heterosexual controls (no HIV), and 11 individuals with fully developed AIDS symptoms. The MRIs of all of the individuals with AIDS, 50 percent of the asymptomatic HIV group and 55 percent of the seronegative homosexuals showed abnormal white matter physiology and enlarged ventricles. White matter lesions were most evident in the patients with the most severe neurological dysfunctions. HIV was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the asymptomatic seropositive group, as well as from the AIDS group. The control group had normal MRIs with no aberrations in white matter and no HIV in the CSF. It is concluded that early stages of HIV infection can be accompanied by changes in brain physiology without showing signs of neurological dysfunction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1990
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Monte Carlo simulation of HIV infection in an intravenous drug user community
Article Abstract:
In the United States, over 30 percent of newly diagnosed cases of AIDS are in intravenous drug users (IVDUs). IVDUs are more likely than individuals in any other risk group to become infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). IVDUs can spread the virus into the general population by heterosexual relationships and from mother to child. The factors that influence the spread of HIV among IVDUs were studied. A model is presented that can track individuals and incorporate their social structure and patterns of drug use, emphasizing the frequency of drug use, needle-sharing, and the state of infection of IVDUs. The model uses a population-based simulation of IVDUs, and combines sociological, behavioral, epidemiological and clinical data to assess the spread of HIV among IVDUs. This model can be used to evaluate different types of public health intervention which may slow the spread of HIV infection among IVDUs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1990
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