Analysis of the Scalp of Women with AIDS Subjected to Autopsy: Epithelial, Follicular, and Immunologic Aspects

February 2013 in “ Annals of Diagnostic Pathology ”

Humberto Aparecido Faria, Mauricio Farnese, Laura Penna Rocha, Janaínna Grazielle Pacheco Olegário, Camila Lourencini Cavellani, Camila Souza de Oliveira Guimarães, Marlene Antônia dos Reis, Rosana Rosa Miranda Corrêa

AIDS epithelial layer Langerhans cells elastic fibers telogen hair follicles hair loss alopecia opportunistic infections

TLDR AIDS may cause changes in the scalp that increase infection risk and hair loss.

The study analyzed scalp samples from 28 women, half with AIDS and half without, to investigate the effects of AIDS on the scalp's immunologic and morphologic characteristics. The results showed that women with AIDS had a thinner epithelial layer, fewer epithelial cell layers, a reduced number of immature Langerhans cells, and a lower percentage of elastic fibers in the dermis, along with a higher number of telogen hair follicles, which are indicative of hair loss. There was no significant difference in collagen fibers or epithelial cell diameter between the two groups. The findings suggest that AIDS may lead to structural and immune changes in the scalp, potentially increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and contributing to alopecia.

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research A Practical Guide to Scalp Disorders

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The document concludes that proper diagnosis and treatment of common scalp disorders are important for both physical and psychological health.

research Stem Cell Apoptosis in HIV-1 Alopecia

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research Psychological Aspects of Hair Disease

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research Computerized Morphometry and Three-Dimensional Image Reconstruction in the Evaluation of Scalp Biopsy from Patients with Non-Cicatricial Alopecias

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research Unusual Microsporum Canis Infections in Adult HIV Patients

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research Clinical and Histopathologic Features of Hair Loss in Patients with HIV-1 Infection

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People with late-stage HIV-1 often experience a specific type of hair loss linked to multiple factors, including nutritional issues and immune responses.