Soropositividade para HIV em doentes de herpes zoster

The relationship between zoster and seropositivity for HIV is studied. Serum samples from 66 patients presenting acute zoster infection were tested for HIV antibodies using ELISA. There was no previous selection of patients which rendered the population studied unbiased. 7 patients (10.6%) were positive for HIV antibodies; 6 belonged to AIDS risk groups all were male and 6 were between the ages of 19 and 39 years (mean age = 31.7). Results suggest that the finding of zoster in younger age groups is not necessarily linked to HIV infection. When zoster is diagnosed in patients who belong to AIDS risk groups. Independently from their age the association with HIV infection is statistically significant. In these cases zoster can even be considered as a marker for HIV infection and it is mandatory to test these patients for HIV antibodies. (authors modified) (summaries in POR ENG)