title: HIV: practical implications for the practicing allergist-immunologist.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) on allergic diseases and discuss the clinical, pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges unique to HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
  
  
  METHODS
  The MEDLINE and OVID databases were searched to identify pertinent articles using the following keywords: HIV, AIDS, IgE, allergic rhinitis, adverse drug reaction, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, food allergy, and immunization. References from the chosen articles were also examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Articles were selected based on their relevance to the subject matter and currency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Human immunodeficiency virus infection causes immunologic alterations that ultimately lead to cell-mediated immune deficiency. In addition, the immune dysfunction caused by HIV also increases the likelihood of developing allergic and other immune-mediated diseases in many patients. HAART is associated with reconstitution of immune system function. While offering protection against infection, immune reconstitution also can provoke immunopathologic conditions. Patients infected with HIV show an increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis, adverse drug reactions, and noninfectious pulmonary complications. The pathophysiology of HIV infection is associated with unique clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations when treating allergic diseases in HIV-infected patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the use of HAART and the subsequent decrease in infectious complications, HIV-infected patients now live longer and experience common chronic diseases. Evaluation of HIV-infected patients with rhinitis, asthma, and adverse drug reactions may become more frequent as HAART continues to extend the life expectancy of patients living with HIV. Understanding the interactions between HIV and these conditions can facilitate a knowledgeable approach to treating an HIV-infected patient.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA. shayne.stokes@us.af.mil
authors.forename: Shayne C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Stokes
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Tankersley
mesh_terms: D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*