[Viral type particles in the germinal centers during a lymphadenopathic syndrome related to AIDS]

The identification of virus-like particles in the germinal centers of an AIDS-related lymph node with histological findings of group IA is reported. A 23 year-old man, intravenous drug user, presents an inversion of T helper/T suppressor cell ratio and a peripheral generalized lymphadenopathy, suggesting a diagnosis of ARC. Lymph node biopsy shows follicular hyperplasia and features consistent with group IA of AIDS-related lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemical study reveals an increase of intrafollicular T8+ lymphocytes. Electronmicroscopic examination of follicles demonstrates the presence of particles showing features of viral nucleocapsids; these particles are seen between the cytoplasmic processes of follicular dendritic cells. Pathologic findings associated with lymphoid follicular hyperplasia in AIDS prodromal period are examined. The importance of lymph node biopsy with histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies, in patients at high risk for AIDS, is demonstrated. The detection of type D viral particles suggestive of retrovirus is in accordance with results of virologic studies which indicate the involvement of a retrovirus (called LAV or HTLV III) in the etiology of the disease.