[Autoimmune disorders during chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection]

Over the years, the challenges of chronic HIV infection have evolved from the management of life-threatening opportunistic infections to chronic noninfectious complications. Nowadays, autoimmune disorders, which are linked to chronic immune dysregulations, have become an important issue in HIV infected patients. Although they mimic disorders and syndromes described in HIV seronegative patients, their frequency and clinical picture may differ considerably. The various immunological alterations and the production of non-specific autoantibodies often make diagnosis difficult. Moreover, the introduction of immunosuppressive therapy requires careful consideration in the presence of a chronic infection that alters the cellular immunity and increases the risk of infections.