OBJECTIVES: HIV impairs immune and nervous systems of the individuals and with progression through different stages, the patients develop a spectrum of neurological complications directly or indirectly related to the viral infection. Since the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), HIV has evolved into a chronic condition resulting in considerable change in the epidemiology of neurological complications. The objective of the study was to identify and summarize the incidence and prevalence of neuropathy among HIV positive patients and subgroups. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed using MEDLINE® and EMBASE®. The relevant literature was identified based on predefined criteria. Prevalence data were collected from cross-sectional and cohort studies. Incidence data were collected from cohort and case-control studies. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included of which there were 23 cohort studies, 13 cross-sectional studies and 1 case-control study. The prevalence of neuropathy among HIV patients derived from 25 studies varied from 1.2% up to 69.4%. Regarding the development of neuropathy among HIV positive patients, standardized by study duration, the rates per 100 person-years ranged from 0.7 to 39.7. Among older patients there is a greater risk of neuropathy. The same seems the case for patients with more severe disease. The association of HIV treatment with neuropathy is less clear. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available studies providing information on the incidence and prevalence of neuropathy among HIV patients suggests a significant burden, but there is a great variation in results across studies. There is no definitive explanation for the variation however, it underscores the fact that complexity of the disease, along with absence of standardized diagnostic criteria has considerably influenced the methodologies and outcomes of the studies. Standardization of an approach to HIV related neuropathy may enhance future research, allowing for a broader understanding of the condition and its associated burden.