Research progress on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke caused by human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a kind of lentivirus that infects the human immune system and could cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Most patients with HIV infection will require lifelong treatment with combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Ischemic stroke has emerged as a particularly significant neurological complication of HIV infection. A variety of mechanisms has been postulated, including opportunistic infections, cardioembolism (CE), HIV -associated vasculopathy and coagulation disorders. By summarizing the latest literatures, this article will review the pathogenesis of HIV-related ischemic stroke, so as to improve the understanding of this disease.

Keywords

• Stroke
• Brain ischemia
• HIV
• Review