[Varicella-zoster virus symptoms and polyneuropathy in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection not improved until highly active anti-retroviral therapy added to acyclovir therapy]

Kansenshogaku Zasshi. 2006 Jan;80(1):46-50. doi: 10.11150/kansenshogakuzasshi1970.80.46.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

In March 2003, a 34-year-old man with left facial palsy, dysphagia, and hoarseness treated with acyclovir suffered worsened dermatological and neurological problems. A routine blood test in early April showed the patient to be HIV-antibody positive, so he was transferred to our hospital. Blood analysis showed serum HIV-RNA at 96,000 copies/mL and a CD 4 count of 170/microL. Brain MRI taken on admission showed a T 2 high lesion in their left medulla. Acyclovir was thought to be ineffective due to reduced cell-mediated immunity because of the HIV infection, and HAART therapy was begun. After two months of HAART, skin lesions and the T 2 high lesion in left medulla improred. HIV-RNA became undetectable and the CD 4 count exceeded 500/microL. Intracellular cytokine analysis by flow cytometry showed a shift from Th 2 to Th 1 dominance. The elimination of VZV may thus have been promoted by the combination of acyclovir and HAART.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods*
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Herpes Zoster / complications*
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polyneuropathies / complications*
  • Polyneuropathies / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir