[HIV-induced clinical conditions: rheumatic conditions]

Many retroviruses have been shown to be involved in the etiology of rheumatic diseases both in animal models and in humans. In particular, HIV infection has been correlated to a greater incidence of Reiter syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, sicca syndrome and other seronegative polyarthritides. Aim of this paper is to discuss clinical findings, diagnostic strategies and therapy of these diseases. We will describe how the profound abnormalities in the immune system brought about by the HIV infection can induce the development of reactive arthritides, inhibit the clinical expression of rheumatoid arthritis and affect the clinical presentation of SLE.