Increased production of IgE protein and IgE antibodies specific for fungal antigens in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Levels of IgE protein and IgE antibodies specific for 8 different allergenic extracts were measured in the serum of a large series of patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in HIV-seronegative subjects belonging to the same risk groups (intravenous drug-users, homosexual men and hemophiliacs). The proportion of subjects showing elevated IgE levels was higher among HIV-infected patients with group IV disease than among HIV-infected patients with group II-III diseases or seronegative individuals. In addition, many HIV-infected patients with elevated IgE levels showed the presence in their serum of IgE antibodies specific for fungal antigens.
Istituto di Clinica Medica 3, Università degli Studi di Firenze.
E
E
Maggi
M
M
Mazzetti
A
A
Ravina
C
C
Simonelli
P
P
Parronchi
D
D
Macchia
P
P
Biswas
M
M
Di Pietro
S
S
Romagnani
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000528:Alternaria / Q000276:immunology; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000276:immunology*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000276:immunology; D002175:Candida / Q000276:immunology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D010407:Penicillium / Q000276:immunology
D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D007073:Immunoglobulin E