Coinfection with A- and B-type Epstein-Barr virus in human immunodeficiency virus-positive subjects

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been identified as a causative agent of AIDS. However, not all individuals with HIV infection develop symptoms of AIDS, and in some cases, the virus may remain dormant (inactive) for several years. HIV-infected patients have compromised immune systems and are at greater risk for the development of opportunistic infections. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is another form of viral infection that suppresses the immune system. Once an individual contracts EBV infection, it will remain with the person for life. Recent studies have revealed the presence of EBV in patients with AIDS. In one study, EBV was isolated from throat washings of 70 to 80 percent of the AIDS patients examined. There are two types of EBV, type A and type B. Type A has a worldwide distribution, while type B is found mainly in Central Africa and New Guinea. Type B antibodies have been isolated from patients with HIV infection. To determine the prevalence of EBV type B in HIV-infected patients, lymphocyte (white blood cells) cultures, grown from blood samples of 26 individuals with HIV infection, were screened for the presence of EBV type B. The study group consisted of HIV-infected white men living in or near Sydney, Australia. Of those participating in the study, 69 percent had EBV type A, 19 percent had EBV type B, and 12 percent had both types. The incidence of EBV type B infection was six-fold higher in HIV-infected individuals than in the general community. These findings indicate that both A- and B-type EBV infection can occur in HIV-infected individuals, and that HIV infection increases the risk of developing EBV type B infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Australia, Risk factors, Epstein-Barr virus diseases

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Sensitivity of treponemal tests for detecting prior treated syphilis during human immunodeficiency virus infection

Article Abstract:

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. To diagnose syphilis, the fluorescent treponemal antibody test (FTA-ABS) and the microhemagglutination test for Treponema pallidum antibodies (MHA-TP) are the most specific tests available today. It has been reported that persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may have an altered response to these tests, may respond differently to treatment for syphilis, and may present with an atypical history of syphilis infection. This study reviews the influence of HIV infection on the persistence of treponemal test reactivity in persons at risk for HIV who have received prior treatment for syphilis. Participants were drawn from two studies of homosexual men; of 324 individuals, 191 had a self-reported history of syphilis. A total of 109 men were finally included in the current study. None of the HIV-negative participants showed altered reactivity on the FTA-ABS or the MHA-TP tests. However, 38 percent of the men with symptomatic HIV infection and 7 percent of the seropositive asymptomatic men showed a loss of reactivity. This was particularly apparent as HIV-related immune impairment progressed, as indicated by the number of T4 lymphocytes. The findings indicate that reactivity to these diagnostic tests diminishes in HIV-positive men with a prior history of treatment for syphilis, especially if the men are symptomatic. A controlled prospective study is necessary to evaluate the sensitivity of the FTA-ABS and MHA-TP tests among HIV-positive patients with active syphilis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, HIV patients, Syphilis

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Results of a one year longitudinal study of HIV antibody test notification from the San Francisco General Hospital cohort

Article Abstract:

A study of 107 homosexual men living in San Francisco was begun in 1985 to analyze the psychological impact of finding out the results of testing for infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which causes AIDS. Seventy-eight percent of the men were correct in their suspicions that the test would be positive, while 43 percent who had negative test results found that their suspicions were incorrect. Individuals who were notified that they were not infected with the AIDS virus had lower levels of distress than those who were not notified. Thus, notification relieved distress in the men who thought they had HIV infection but, in fact, did not. Those who were notified that they were infected with HIV were more distressed than non-notified controls 12 months after notification, but not earlier. Thus, notification does not induce additional distress in those who thought they were infected with HIV and were found to be so by testing. The distress felt by these men was less than that of those who developed AIDS-related complex or AIDS, indicating that distress was related to having the symptoms of disease rather than knowing that had HIV infection. Notification of test results appears to be beneficial as it relieves distress in those who are not infected and does not increase stress in those who are infected and thought they were. The knowledge of a positive test result (indicating HIV infection) also allows earlier intervention and treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Gay men, AIDS (Disease), HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

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