If blood tests show one not to have measurable levels of CMV, toxoplasmosis or other infectious agents, it's a personal choice to pursue diagnosis to rule out these, and possibly other, infections in the spinal fluid. If an infectious agent is causing myelopathy, leaving it untreated may lead to worsening or recurrences of the condition. A spinal tap, however, can be painful and invasive. For some, pursuing this line of further diagnosis may present an obstacle for immediate quality of life. Early reports of lactic acidosis pointed to AZT as the culprit, but this may simply reflect the use of the drug at that time.
Some studies suggest that it occurs more frequently in women.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weight loss and difficulty breathing. Doctors can diagnose the condition through examination, lab tests, abdominal CT scan or liver biopsy. Some doctors and researchers are concerned that the rate of the condition may be higher than what's stated in the FDA report. A French study found eleven cases of lactic acidosis among 867 people. Symptoms included stomach pain, difficulty breathing, weakness and rapid heartbeat.