Vasculitis associated with infectious agents

The HIV infection epidemic and, with it, the resurgence and emergence of old and new opportunistic microbes, have sparked off a renewed interest in vasculitis associated with infectious agents. Current investigations focus on identification of "newer" infectious agents, unusual clinical manifestations, and methodologic refinement in diagnosis and treatment. This article briefly reviews the background of infection-associated vasculitis and highlights some of the newer and unusual aspects of vasculitis known to be associated with nonviral and viral infections.