The histopathology of folliculitis in HIV-infected patients.
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous disease referable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become less common with the advent of widespread administration of antiretroviral medications, particularly the protease inhibitors. Pruritic eruptions that fall into the general categorization of folliculitis continue to be problematic.


METHODS
In this report, we describe 33 skin biopsy samples prospectively obtained of follicular papules and pustules from 33 HIV-infected individuals with the clinical diagnosis of HIV-related folliculitis.


RESULTS
The histopathologic findings were stratified as follows: (i) acute folliculitis with bacteria and/or yeast (n = 9); (ii) lymphocytic perifolliculitis (n = 7); (iii) eosinophilic folliculitis (n = 5); (iv) perifolliculitis with mixed inflammation (n = 11); (v) follicular rupture with predominant granulomatous inflammation (n = 1). Demodex organisms were found in 10 specimens scattered among these categories.


CONCLUSIONS
The histopathology of folliculitis in HIV-infected patients is protean. No single factor could be identified as the cause, making targeted antibacterial or antifungal therapy unlikely to be successful across a wide range of patients.
Holmes
Rona Beth
RB
Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
Martins
Ciro
C
Horn
Thomas
T
D005260:Female; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male