Human T lymphotropic virus 1 and hepatitis C virus as risk factors for inflammatory dermatoses in HIV-positive patients

BACKGROUND: Dermatoses are common in HIV-infected patients. Infections caused by human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also associated with dermatoses, and their coinfection with HIV has been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of HTLV-1 and HCV in increasing the frequency of dermatological diseases in HIV-positive patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients infected with HIV and dermatoses, who consulted the Service of Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. Their care included the taking of a history and a physical examination, complementary examinations for diagnostic purposes, HTLV-1 and HCV serology, measurement of CD4 lymphocyte count and HIV viral load, and recording of the use of antiretroviral drugs. RESULTS: One hundred and five HIV-positive patients with dermatoses were evaluated. Positivity for HTLV-1 occurred in 12 patients (12.5%) and that for HCV in 35 patients (38%). The most frequently found dermatoses were infectious and inflammatory in origin. A significant statistical association was found between HIV and HTLV-1 coinfection, with dermatoses of inflammatory origin (P = 0.03; CI = 1.14-2.83). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider the high rate of positivity for HTLV-1 and HCV in the HIV-positive patients (12.5 and 38%, respectively). A higher risk of inflammatory dermatoses is found in patients who are simultaneously positive for HTLV-1 and HIV, indicating the possible importance of this coinfection in the development or worsening of certain dermatological diseases.