Asymptomatic Neurosyphilis in HIV infected patients at a Brazilian HIV and AIDS specialized service: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND: Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis co-infected patients are not diagnosed, which may evolve into asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS). We studied the occurrence of ANS an HIV-infected population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from patients co-infected with HIV and Treponema pallidum. Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory characteristics were studied. RESULTS: Of the 348 patients infected with HIV, 33 (9.5%) had reagent treponemic and non-treponemic tests. CSF was collected from 19 asymptomatic patients. Of these, 8 (42.1%) presented with laboratory alterations suggestive of ANS. CONCLUSION: Social-demographic and clinical-laboratory variables should be considered for the indication of CSF collection.