title: Immune reconstitution in the HAART era, Part 2: Implications for practice.
abstract: As discussed in Part 1 of this series, HIV infection alters the function of the immune system. These alterations include declines in CD4-positive lymphocyte counts, disturbances in the function of the CD4-positive lymphocyte, diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test responses and cell-mediated immune responses, phenotypic changes in lymphocytes, and changes in cytoxic T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell function. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically improved CD4-positive lymphocyte counts and quality of life, there have been unforeseen consequences of immune reconstitution. For example, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis C flares have been observed in HAART-treated patients coinfected with HIV and CMV and hepatitis C (HCV). Part 2 of this series will examine the clinical consequences of immune reconstitution in persons with HIV infection.
authors.affiliation: Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Agnoli
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012725:Sexual Behavior
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents