This study investigates the association between Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people living with HIV (PLWH), focusing on patterns of beta-amyloid (A42, A40), and total tau (t-tau) comparing them to those of HIV-negative individuals.

Combination antiretroviral therapy has prolonged the lifespan of PLWH but has also led to an increased incidence of non-HIV-related dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationship between AD biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PLWH and HIV-negative individuals remains unclear, especially in older individuals who may experience accelerated aging and heightened susceptibility to neurodegeneration.

A total of 1381 studies were identified, of which 4 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, comprising a sample of 831 patients. The findings indicate significant variations in the CSF biomarker patterns in PLWH compared to HIV-negative controls, particularly in beta-amyloid and total tau levels Odds Ratio was 0.81  risk ratio (RR) with >95%, 0.42-1.56), indicating no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the outcome events. 

This study reveals distinct CSF biomarker profiles in PLWH compared to HIV-negative individuals, highlighting the need for further research into the interaction between chronic HIV-related neuroinflammation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.