Considerations Over Cerebral Toxoplasmosis and Other Cerebral Disorders in HIV-Infected Patients

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Cerebral toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection often seen in people living with HIV/AIDS. This research aims to determine how risk factors and associated diseases modify the evolution and prognosis of HIV-infected patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis. Methods: We conducted a case-control, observational, retrospective study. The research enrolled 94 patients with HIV-related cerebral toxoplasmosis at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, split into two sample groups. The first sample group included 51 patients who were initially discovered with cerebral toxoplasmosis and only afterward tested and confirmed HIV-positive. The second sample group of 43 patients were diagnosed as HIV-positive from the beginning and subsequently developed cerebral toxoplasmosis due to non-adherence to treatment. Results: The first sample group, discovered first with cerebral toxoplasmosis and only later diagnosed as HIV-positive, had a higher probability of death, mainly due to an advanced state of HIV disease. Therapy adherence in both sample groups played a key role in immune restoration status and long-term survival. Conclusions: Comparative analysis of the sample groups highlights the importance of early diagnosis of cerebral disease at the first neurological symptoms and signs. Early initiation of antiparasitic and antiretroviral therapy has proven to be decisive for favorable evolution and prognosis.