[Rheumatic manifestations associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)]

The number of subjects presenting articular manifestations associated with HIV-infection is constantly on increase due to the growing number of seropositive patients. The pathophysiological mechanism of this association is still unknown. A recent review of the literature has shown that spondyloarthritis are the most frequently observed articular manifestations in HIV-positive patients. Septic arthritis are rare but severe. The immunodepression due to HIV-infection makes it difficult to use immunosuppressors and renders local therapeutics preferable. The articular manifestations may allow to discover seropositivity that has not been diagnosed before. These data strongly suggest to include serological examination for HIV in the etiological screening for every articular manifestation of unknown origin, even if the patient presents no risk factors.