HIV/AIDS & Progressive Multifocal

HIV/AIDS & Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, is a progressive demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by a virus known as "JCV," or "the JC virus." Scientists estimate that as much as half of the human population is infected with the common JC virus, but only patients with severely suppressed immune systems become ill from it. Before HIV/AIDS, PML was a very rare disorder that appeared most often in association with leukemia and lymphoma. Currently, PML is a fatal consequence of untreated late stage AIDS as well. It occurs in patients with less than 100 and, more commonly, 50 CD4 cells per cc.

Symptoms include generalized or localized weakness or paralysis (inability to move) on one side of the body, speech problems, blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye, lethargy, cognitive impairments (e.g., memory loss, confusion), and loss of balance. Symptoms progress rapidly, and in most cases, PML causes death within 3 to 6 months. There is no specific treatment for this condition. PML is rare with effective antiretroviral therapy.