[Level of HHV-6A antibodies in symptomless HIV infection as well as in the course of AIDS].
HHV-6A in vitro augments expression of CD4 molecules on the surface of immune cells, facilitates HIV replication and cell death in dual infections. It is hardly known whether these processes take place in vivo; does HHV-6A enhance HIV infection and AIDS progression? To study HHV-6A fresh infections and reactivation, IgM, IgG and low avidity IgG were quantitated in the serum samples of patients with asymptomatic HIV infection, early and terminal AIDS, that of their HIV seronegative homo- or bisexual partners and healthy adults (altogether 65 persons). Indirect immunofluorescent assay on JJHAN cells infected with HHV-6A U1102 was used. It was found that as compared to controls, the mean level of IgM in the sexual partners of HIV infected subjects raised 30-fold, that of IgG increased 10-fold, and 80% of persons had low avidity IgG indicating fresh HHV-6A infection. These suggest that they are frequently infected through sexual intercourse. As compared to healthy adults, mean titre of IgM to HHV-6A remained 10-fold increased in each group of patients with HIV infection. The IgG level was 6-fold increased in asymptomatic HIV infected subjects, 4-fold in early and 5-fold in terminal AIDS patients. More than one quarter of AIDS patients had low avidity IgG to HHV-6A. As compared to slow progressors of AIDS, the IgG level continuously increased in progressor persons. These suggest that HHV-6A maintains a chronic persistent infection in a significant number of HIV infected subjects.
Ongrádi
J
J
Országos Bör- és Nemikórtani Intézet, Budapest.
Bánhegyi
D
D
Maródi
C L
CL
Nagy
K
K
Csiszár
A
A
Horváth
A
A
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000914:Antibodies, Viral