Peripheral blood mononuclear cells HIV DNA levels impact intermittently on neurocognition

Abstract

Objectives To determine the contribution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells' (PBMCs) HIV DNA levels to HIV-associated dementia (HAD) and non-demented HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in chronically HIV-infected adults with long-term viral suppression on combined antiretroviral treatment (cART). Methods Eighty adults with chronic HIV infection on cART (> 97% with plasma and CSF HIV RNA <50 copies/mL) were enrolled into a prospective observational cohort and underwent assessments of neurocognition and pre-morbid cognitive ability at two visits 18 months apart. HIV DNA in PBMCs was measured by real-time PCR at the same time-points. Results At baseline, 46% had non-demented HAND; 7.5% had HAD. Neurocognitive decline occurred in 14% and was more likely in those with HAD (p