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

August 2012 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

Studysummary This study found that women with AIDS had significantly reduced epithelial thickness and more telogen hair follicles on the scalp compared to women without AIDS.

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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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