HLA antigen frequencies in HIV-1-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Article Abstract:

The genetic factors which may be involved in the outcome of disease in individuals who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were studied. The frequencies of the types of major histocompatibility complex (HLA) antigens (types A, B, C, DR, and DQ) were examined in the following groups: 44 individuals with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS); 14 individuals with KS and opportunistic infections (OI); 83 individuals who had antibodies to HIV-1, indicating infection, but did not have any signs of disease; 87 homosexual men who were not infected with HIV-1; and 50 infected individuals who had OI. Antigens of the major histocompatibility complex are involved in the regulation and stimulation of the immune response. Individuals with KS had higher frequencies of HLA-B35, -C4, - DR1, and -DQ1 and lower frequencies of HLA-C5 and DR3 compared with the individuals without KS and the population at risk for developing KS, those who were infected with HIV but did not have any symptoms of disease. Previous studies have shown that the frequency of HLA-DR5 is increased in individuals who have the classical type of KS (not related to HIV infection), as well as in those with HIV-related KS. An increase in this HLA type was not seen in this study. Increases in the frequencies of HLA-A23, -C4, -DR14, and -DR53 were seen in individuals who developed KS compared with those who developed OI. In other studies, no association between HLA type and infection with HIV has been seen. These results suggest that differences in HLA may influence the disease outcome of HIV infection, including the development of KS or OI. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Genetic aspects, HLA histocompatibility antigens, HLA antigens, AIDS (Disease), Kaposi's sarcoma, Opportunistic infections, Histocompatibility antigens

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Natural history of HIV-1 cell-free viremia

Article Abstract:

HIV patients whose blood contains the p24 antigen or high levels of HIV RNA may progress to AIDS more rapidly than other HIV patients. The p24 antigen and HIV RNA are markers of HIV replication. Researchers performed annual physical examinations and blood analysis on 42 homosexual men who tested positive for HIV between 1982 and 1985. HIV RNA levels remained relatively stable throughout the three- to 11-year follow-up period. Only six patients exhibited a 10-fold increase in HIV-RNA levels. Patients who progressed to AIDS in less than four years had significantly higher initial levels of HIV RNA than those who did not progress to AIDS within six to 11 years. High HIV RNA levels, the presence of the p24 antigen, and low levels of CD4 positive lymphocytes were associated with an increased rate of disease progression.

Measurement, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Viremia, Virus replication, Viral load

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Natural history of hepatitis C virus infection in multitransfused hemophiliacs: effect of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus

Article Abstract:

Hemophiliacs infected with both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are more likely to develop liver failure than hemophiliacs infected only with HCV. Hemophiliacs often develop hepatitis from transfusions of blood plasma products. Hemophiliacs who received transfusions of clotting factor prior to the implementation of screening for HIV often became coinfected with HIV. Of the 223 hemophiliac patients studied, 44% were infected with both HCV and HIV. Enlargement of the spleen and enlargement of the liver were common complications in coinfected patients. Of the 91 patients infected with both viruses, eight developed liver failure. Five of the eight died within one year of liver failure. None of the patients infected with HCV alone developed liver failure.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Diseases, Hepatitis C, Liver failure, Blood transfusion, Hemophiliacs

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