HIV INFECTION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
OCTOBER,12th-14th 2017POLLENZO-BRA (CN), ITALY
The incidence of the most threatening complications of HIV infection (HIV associated dementia) has dramatically decreased among people receiving combination antiretroviral treatments although a new spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric problems has emerged as a challenge for the coming years.
In the last years earlier start of the antiretroviral therapy and the more exclusive use of combination including new drugs, integrase inhibitor in particular, with better performances in term of efficacy and toxicity require an update on this topic.
Neurocognitive impairment is one of the main concern, and research studies investigating causes, extent, phenotypes and monitoring are under way. Potential loss of control of HIV replication in the CNS is also of concern because it may be associated with more severe neurological disease.
Why does this occur, how often and how can we recognize it, are also questions waiting for answers. In this regard, particular attention is required when switching form older "neuroprotective" drug combinations to newer therapeutic approaches, including simplified regimens. On the other hand, the potential CNS toxicity of ARV drugs is also emerging as a focus of particular attention. Finally, CNS cells may harbor HIV during systemically controlled infection and serve as potential viral reservoirs that are relevant to systemic approaches to HIV eradication.
The goal of this meeting is to update, discuss and review the concepts on HIV brain infection in the current era, addressing unsolved issues and discussing control strategies for the future.