Mixed connective tissue disease complicated by infection with human immunodeficiency virus

A case of HIV-infection presenting as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is reported. A 26-year-old woman from Kenya was admitted with the symptoms and laboratory findings of MCTD. Her peripheral CD4 cell count was decreased. She had high titers of antibodies to HIV antigen by a passive agglutination test and an immunofluorescence technique. Moreover, specific IgG and IgM antibodies to HIV antigens were detected by Western blot analysis after complete absorption of the serum in extractable nuclear antigens from calf thymus. While undergoing azidothymidine treatment, she developed AIDS and died of intracranial bleeding. This is the first report of HIV infection associated with MCTD-like symptoms.