People born in Italy (vs. non Italian-born ARH = 1.83, 95% CI:1.21–2.78) those with lower CD4 cell count at the time of their ADE diagnosis (per 100 cells/mm3 lower AHR = 1.22 [95%CI 1.11–1.34] and people who were enrolled in the cohort because recently discovered to be HIV-infected (vs. those with no indications for starting ART at enrolment, ARH = 1.86, 95% CI:1.17–2.93) were significantly more likely to start ART. Here, CD4 is linked to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.