[Structural changes in the brain in HIV infection complicated by drug addiction].

Comparative analysis of brain alterations in drug addicts who were HIV-seropositive and died of sepsis and HIV-seronegative addicts showed similarity of these changes which manifested with ganglion cell rarefaction and losses, changed neuron content of main structural-functional types; massive satellitosis and neuronophagia, massive glycosis and leucodystrophy. These changes were diffuse in seropositive patients and rather focal in seronegative patients. The authors, on the basis of these findings, suggest a wider spread of HIV infection in drug addicts; they express doubts in the secondary nature of HIV-encephalopathy and believe that drug addiction should be considered as factor promoting HIV-infection development.