HIV-associated sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis – an emerging threat?. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manesh, Abi; Moorthy, Mahesh; Bandopadhyay, Rini; Rupali, Priscilla
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 28:Number 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 937
• Page End: 939
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis -- human immunodeficiency virus -- fulminant sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis -- rapid cognitive decline in HIV; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462416687675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Earlier age of measles virus infection predisposes to development of sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and this risk is heightened in HIV-infected children. We describe a HIV-infected young adult on antiretroviral therapy, presenting with a non-classical, fulminant form of SSPE to highlight the unpredictable nature of measles presentation. The recent spate of measles outbreaks due to virus introduction in populations with sub-optimal vaccine coverage or waning immunity and co-existing paediatric HIV cohorts is a cause for concern.