title: IgE and atopy in perinatally HIV-infected children.
abstract: Elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and increased prevalence of atopy is reported in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The elevated serum IgE may be attributed to polyclonal stimulation of B cells or IgE production against allergens, viruses, fungi and bacteria. This study investigates the prevalence of atopy in perinatally HIV-infected children, and the relationships between serum IgE (and other serum immunoglobulins) with atopy, CD4+ cell count and HIV-disease stage. Serum immunoglobulin levels, epicutaneous skin test for common aeroallergens, clinical Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification, CD4+ cell counts and allergy history were extracted from the charts of perinatally HIV-infected children on highly active antiretroviral therapy. The prevalence of atopy (52%) and the pattern of aeroallergen sensitivity were comparable with the US pediatric population. Serum IgE levels did not correlate with clinical disease stage. However, in non-atopic patients, serum IgE levels increased with disease progression (p = 0.02). There was an inverse relationship between the prevalence of elevated serum IgE levels and atopy with progression of disease (p = 0.019). Serum IgE did not correlate with atopy, CD4+ cell count, or duration of HIV infection or levels of serum immunoglobulins. This is the first study to show no increased prevalence of atopy in perinatally HIV-infected children compared with the general population. In advanced stages of HIV, elevated serum IgE may be specific for antigens other than those known as allergens.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
authors.forename: Corinna S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Bowser
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: Rauno O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Joks
authors.forename: Cascy-Arnoux
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Charlot
authors.forename: H Jack
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Moallem
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E