HIV-INFECTION - THE PROBLEMS OF MORPHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS

Considerable ultrastructural changes in the lymphoid cells of immunocompetent organs as well as in the epithelial and stromal cells of the rectum-the organ of the first contact with the virus in some cases-are found in HIV-infection. These alterations are of a quantitative nature and are the indications of important disturbances of the water-salt and protein metabolism. Changes in the lymphocytes and plasmacytes of the rectum lamina propria result in the damage to local immune defense. The presence of tubuloreticular and tubuloannular structures in various cells of the rectum and lymphoid organs which are clearly seen in the biopsy material is most likely a characteristic sign of HIV-infection at its terminal stage.