C3b/iC3b deposition on Streptococcus pneumoniae is not affected by HIV infection.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of infection in both HIV positive patients and those with complement deficiencies. We hypothesised that HIV positive individuals might exhibit reduced opsonisation of pneumococcus with complement due to reduced levels of S. pneumoniae specific IgG. We discovered no difference in C3 deposition on S. pneumoniae between HIV positive or negative individuals, and furthermore C3 deposition remained unchanged as HIV progressed towards AIDS. We found no correlation between C3 deposition on S. pneumoniae and CD4 cell count in HIV infected individuals. Hence we have demonstrated no failure of complement immunity in HIV positive patients.
Hyams
Catherine
C
Department of Medicine, University College Medical School, Rayne Institute, Centre for Respiratory Research, London, United Kingdom.
Tam
Jerry C H
JC
Brown
Jeremy S
JS
Gordon
Stephen B
SB
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003179:Complement C3b / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000378:metabolism*
D003179:Complement C3b