Histopathological Patterns of Skin Manifestations of HIV/AIDS in JOS, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the common skin manifestations among HIV/AIDS patients over a one year period and correlates with CD4 + lymphocytes counts. Methods: A one year prospective cross-sectional histopathological analysis of 150 cases of skin manifestations among HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State Nigeria from December, 2010 to November, 2011. Results: A total of 150 incisional biopsies were taken from HIV patients and analyzed. The male to female (M:F) gender ratio was 43:107 (1:3) spectrum of skin lesions in HIV/AIDS was Kaposi sarcoma 68 (45.3%), psoriasis 16 (10.6%) molluscum contagiosum 1 (10%), Lichen Planus 13 (8.7%) condyloma acuminatum 8 (5.3%), dermatitis herpetiformis 8 (5.3%), Eosinophilic Folliculitis 6 (4.0%) Malignant melanoma and Pemphigus vulgaris 5 (3.3%), Seborrhoeic Keratosis 3 (2.0%) Nevus sebaceous, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) 1 (0.7%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, Kaposi sarcoma remains the most common skin lesion among HIV/AIDS patients in Jos and cutaneous manifestations can be considered as a good clinical indicator for immune status in an individual. Adequate tissue biopsy and early diagnosis with commencement of HIV drugs may reduce the disorder.