Neuropathology of the retina in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The pathogenesis of HIV-mediated neurodegeneration is unknown. Presently, work is focused on two main hypotheses: direct (caused by HIV or component proteins) versus indirect (monocyte-mediated) neurotoxicity. In HIV-induced retinal disease, the high incidence of opportunistic infections and the low HIV viral burden found in most clinical specimens present challenges in defining the roles played by potential factors. Future studies will see the resolution of these controversies by showing the mechanism of HIV-induced neuronal damage and its relationship to retinal disease.