Acute B cell lymphoblastic leukaemia and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).

Lymphoproliferative disease complicates the clinical course ofHIV infection in approximately 10% of patients and the incidence of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is 60-200 times more common than the general population.3'4 Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, Burkitt's Lymphoma, Burkitt like Lymphoma and Primary Cerebral Lymphoma are the most common subtypes with Hodgkins Disease, Plasmacytoma and Body Cavity Based Lymphomas also increased in incidence.4Acute B cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (B ALL) is uncommon representing 5% of all adult patients with ALL.s An association with HIV infection is rare and limited to case reports. We report the case of a 40 year old man and discuss his treatment and clinical course. We suggest that B cell ALL should be included in the criteria for a diagnosis of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and that patients presenting with this type of leukaemia should be fully assessed regarding risk factors for HIV infection and when necessary tested following appropriate counselling. We support present recommendations that patients with HIV associated lymphoproliferative disease receiving chemotherapy should receive concurrentHAART and when possible are entered into clinical trials where the maximal therapy can be addressed.