Nephropathy and Establishment of a Renal Reservoir of HIV Type 1 during Primary Infection

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)–associated nephropathy is the chief cause of chronic renal disease in patients with HIV-1 infection and is now the third leading cause of end-stage renal disease in blacks 20 to 64 years of age.1,2 These patients typically have proteinuria followed by a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate that progresses to end-stage renal disease in a few weeks or months. HIV-1–associated nephropathy is characterized morphologically by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, tubular microcysts, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation.2–5 The pathogenesis of HIV-1–associated nephropathy is poorly understood, but increasing evidence suggests it is due to HIV-1 infection . . .