Emerging biomarkers for early detection of aplastic anemia in HIV: A narrative review

Aplastic anemia (AA) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is a complex condition that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its overlap with HIV-related immune dysregulation. Early detection of AA is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes. Recent advances in biomarker research have identified several promising candidates that could facilitate earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. This review focuses on emerging biomarkers, including hematologic, immunologic, and molecular markers, which hold potential for the early detection of AA in HIV-infected patients. Hematologic biomarkers, such as reticulocyte count and bone marrow biopsy findings, provide initial insights into bone marrow dysfunction but may lack specificity. Immunologic biomarkers, including cytokine profiles and T-cell subsets, reflect the immune system's role in AA pathogenesis and offer potential for earlier detection through assessment of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Additionally, molecular biomarkers, such as gene expression profiles and microRNAs, provide a deeper understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms and may enable more precise diagnosis and monitoring.