Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:48
A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection
Published on: January 21, 2021
Meningoencephalitis Due to HIV Replication Despite Plasmatic Viral Control
Aurélien Dinh1, Jérôme Salomon, Damien Le Du
11 Infectious Diseases Unit, Raymond Poincaré University Hospital, AP-HP, University Versailles Saint Quentin, Garches, France.
Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (Chicago, Ill. : 2002)
|April 22, 2011
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can replicate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) even with low blood viral loads. Optimizing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for better Central Nervous System (CNS) penetration may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can establish replication reservoirs within the Central Nervous System (CNS).
- Despite effective systemic Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), viral replication can persist in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- CNS involvement in HIV can lead to acute or chronic neurological impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of symptomatic HIV replication in CSF despite low plasma viral load.
- To evaluate the utility of the CHARTER's (CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research) score in optimizing HAART for CNS penetration.
- To highlight the CNS as a distinct compartment for HIV replication.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an HIV-positive patient presenting with acute meningoencephalitis.
- Assessment of HAART regimen and optimization based on CNS penetration.
- Utilized the CHARTER's score to guide treatment adjustments.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited symptomatic HIV replication in CSF with a low plasma viral load.
- Optimization of HAART for enhanced CNS penetration led to clinical improvement.
- The CHARTER's score provided a framework for treatment adjustment.
Conclusions:
- The Central Nervous System (CNS) serves as a sanctuary site for HIV replication.
- Optimizing HAART for CNS penetration, potentially guided by the CHARTER's score, can be beneficial.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise role and application of the CHARTER's score in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:19Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...