HIV and Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases in the immune deficient patient with HIV infection or AIDS remain fascinating as both are related to immune dysfunction. The spectrum of reported autoimmune phenomena in HIV infected patients is increasing, especially in AIDS patients that receive highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Rheumatic manifestations due to initial infection of the HIV virus have decreased with the advent of HAART, although the prevalence of autoimmune diseases due to immune restoration inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has increased. Over 300 HIV/AIDS patients with various autoimmune diseases are described. This chapter will summarize the clinical findings of autoimmune disease in HIV patients through the progression of infection from HIV to AIDS to IRIS.