What Are the Histological Findings in AIDS Patients?
Histological examination of tissues from AIDS patients often reveals significant abnormalities:
Lymphoid Tissue: There is a marked depletion of CD4+ T cells, with remaining cells often showing evidence of apoptosis. Hyperplasia and fibrosis can also be observed. Central Nervous System: HIV can cause encephalitis, characterized by microglial nodules, multinucleated giant cells, and neuronal loss. Gastrointestinal Tract: Common findings include villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased mononuclear cell infiltration, leading to malabsorption and chronic diarrhea.
