Hereditary spherocytosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: is there an association?

Abstract

Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS) is a hereditary red cell membrane cytoskeleton abnormality that results in a chronic haemolytic anaemia. We report on a 26-year-old Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive woman who presented with HS. Red cell membrane studies confirmed the diagnosis in the patient and her 6 year old son. The association between HS and HIV is likely to be coincidental. However, the symptoms and signs of HS may be modified (often exaggerated) in the presence of HIV.