title: Intraocular and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads and HIV uveitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to analyze human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dynamics across the blood-retinal barrier and to determine whether the high levels of HIV in the eye are associated with any ocular disorders in HIV-infected patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included a prospective case series of 40 HIV-positive patients with uveitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical and laboratory examinations included plasma and intraocular HIV-1 RNA loads as well as the clinical manifestations of uveitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intraocular HIV-1 RNA was detected in 32% (13/40) of HIV-positive patients with uveitis. Intraocular HIV-1 RNA loads were associated with high HIV-1 RNA plasma loads (P < 0.001) and not being on HAART therapy (P = 0.005). In addition, detectable intraocular HIV-1 RNA levels were higher in patients with the absence of retinal lesions (P = 0.008). In three patients, the HIV load in the eye largely exceeded that of plasma. These three patients had all bilateral anterior uveitis and/or vitritis without retinal lesions and exhibited no evidence of other intraocular infectious agents causing uveitis than HIV itself.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The eye can form a sanctuary where HIV might replicate and cause an inflammatory reaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. kpathana@mail.med.cmu.ac.th
authors.forename: Kessara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pathanapitoon
authors.forename: Anjo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riemens
authors.forename: Natedao
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kongyai
authors.forename: Wasna
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sirirungsi
authors.forename: Pranee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leechanachai
authors.forename: Somsanguan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ausayakhun
authors.forename: Viera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kalinina Ayuso
authors.forename: Paradee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kunavisarut
authors.forename: Jolanda D F
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: de Groot-Mijnes
authors.forename: Aniki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rothova
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier / Q000821:virology*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology*; D019562:Viral Load
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral