HIV-1 RNA levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may increase owing to damage to the blood-brain barrier.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 75-90% of all HIV-infected patients. However, it is not yet known which factors influence the amount of HIV-1 in the CSF, either qualitatively or quantitatively. We have analysed HIV-1 RNA in CSF samples from 24 HIV-infected patients using zidovudine who underwent lumbar puncture in order to establish a diagnosis for a neurological disorder.

Study on didanosine concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid. Implications for the treatment and prevention of AIDS dementia complex.

It has been hypothesized that didanosine has a low efficacy in the prevention and treatment of patients with the dementia complex of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) because "...