title: The role of passive immunization in hiv-positive patients : a case report.
abstract: An HIV-positive patient presented with pulmonary tuberculosis as her AIDS-defining diagnosis in 1993 and was effectively treated with 12 months of standard antituberculosis medications (isoniazide, rifampin, and pyrazinamide for 2 months). She received zidovudine for 6 weeks at the time of her diagnosis; however, because of patient preference, she has not received subsequent standard HIV medications (7 years). Her CD4 count at the time of diagnosis (1993) was 297/microL. Monthly passive immunotherapy was administered (fresh frozen plasma from HIV-negative blood donors with a significant titer for the anti-vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP]/NTM antibody) from December 1993 to June 1994. Her CD4 count increased to > 400/microL during the passive immunotherapy and has remained stable for the past 6 years. The rational for the use of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies preparations in HIV, the possible mode of action of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies, the use of Ig preparations, and the role of exercise as a natural source of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies are discussed. This case report supports the potential therapeutic use of anti-VIP antibodies for treatment of HIV disease.
authors.affiliation: Institute VINCA, Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Veljkovic
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Metlas
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jevtovic
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Stringer
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide