[Histologic classification of HIV-1 induced lymphadenopathy. Current results on the pathogenesis of germinal center changes]

Abstract

At the IV International Conference on AIDS in Stockholm, a Symposium on the pathology of HIV-related diseases was organized. During this Symposium the "European Study Group on HIV-Pathology" presented a histological classification of lymph node alterations seen in HIV-associated lymphadenopathy. The goal of the Study group was to offer a common terminology for histologic changes previously described with different terms by different authors. In the present review the most important histological criteria used in the proposed classification are summarized. Since the classification is based on the conspicuous changes of the follicles, a brief review of the possible pathogenic mechanisms leading to disintegration of the germinal centers will also be given.