Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I read an article on your site regarding people having both lupus and HIV, is this rare or very common? I am asking because I was diagnosed with lupus last year, I have a very high rheumatoid score and so most of my symptoms are joint stiffness and swelling mostly in my right hand. I was wondering if I need to be tested for HIV as well since I know that the prednisone I was on weakens the immune system. With the rise in new infections due to bisexual males in my age and ethnic group, I am concerned about any further health problems. I am just being paranoid or is this something my doctors could have missed during all the blood work?
Marty Markowitz, M. D.
Clinical Director
Staff Investigator, Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center
Associate Professor, Rockefeller University
Untreated and advance HIV infection is associated with "autoimmune" phenomena including arthritis, skin problems, drug hypersensitivity, and other conditions that result from an aberrant immune system.
Frank lupus with the associated serologies and clinical conditions is very rarely associated with HIV infection.
That said, if you are a sexually active adult- you should be tested for HIV infection whether or not you have SLE - I consider it "good medical practice", talk to your doctor, tell him that you want to be tested.
This information can only assist you and your medical team as you and they plan for future management of your rheumatologic condition.
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