Asymptomatic Neurosyphilis in HIV infected patients at a Brazilian HIV and AIDS specialized service: a cross sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background:

Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis co-infected patients are not diagnosed, which may evolve into asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS). We studied the occurrence of ANS an HIV-infected population.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from patients co-infected with HIV and Treponema pallidum. Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory characteristics were studied.

Results:

Of the 348 patients infected with HIV, 33 (9.5%) had reagent treponemic and non-treponemic tests. CSF was collected from 19 asymptomatic patients. Of these, 8 (42.1%) presented with laboratory alterations suggestive of ANS.

Conclusion:

Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory variables should be considered for the indication of CSF collection.

Keywords:
HIV; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Neurosyphilis; Co-infection; Syphilis