Opportunistic viral infections in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has provided a setting in whic h additional neurologic problems develop. The mechanism of these complicati ons varies from agent to agent, but the added spectrum of diseases encounte red has challenged diagnosticians and provided unparalleled opportunities t o develop a deeper understanding of these conditions and their treatments. This review addresses the most prominent viral-associated complications, ex cept for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, which is addressed in a separate review. The complications of greatest importance both due to the ir frequency and severity are caused by cytomegalovirus, so these are discu ssed in greater depth. However, the association of Epstein-Barr virus with induction of central nervous System lymphoma represents an important viral linked complication of great importance. In addition, the increased activit y of varicella tester virus has been notable in the setting of HIV, Finally , human herpesvirus type 6 is an emerging virus of interest that has been i dentified in the setting of HIV infection, whose role in pathophysiology is only now being investigated.