Changes in T and non-T lymphocyte subsets following seroconversion to HIV-1: stable CD3+ and declining CD3- populations suggest regulatory responses linked to loss of CD4 lymphocytes

Article Abstract:

HIV infection appears to trigger a normal mechanism of T cell regulation that does not distinguish between CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells. HIV infection is characterized by the depletion of CD4 T cells, and at least initially, by an abnormal ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells play a critical role in the body's immune system. In 321 homosexual or bisexual men who were HIV-positive, levels of CD4 cells decreased rapidly in the first 18 months after infection while CD8 levels increased dramatically. However, the total T cell count declined only minimally in the first 18 months after infection. These findings support the hypothesis that depleted CD4 cells are replaced with both CD4 and CD8 cells such that over time, the number of CD8 cells would be significantly greater than the number of CD4 cells. Further research is needed to determine whether this non-selective mechanism contributes to deficiency of the immune system.

T cells, Lymphocytes

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Changes in markers of disease progression in HIV-1 seroconverters: a comparison between cohorts of injecting drug users and homosexual men

Article Abstract:

The rate of change in CD4 T cell levels in early HIV infection appears to be similar in drug addicts and homosexual men. Physicians who noted differences in disease progression and mortality thought that a history of intravenous drug use might be a risk factor for a more virulent form of the disease. Researchers periodically measured CD4 T cell levels in 151 HIV-infected intravenous drug users and 99 HIV-infected homosexual men. In all cases, they knew when the men and women had seroconverted. Seroconversion occurs when the immune system begins to produce antibodies against the virus. CD4 T cell levels dropped more quickly in the first two years in the homosexual men, but by the third and fourth year, the decline of CD4 T cells in both groups was similar. By the fourth year, CD4 T cells represented 27% of the total white cell count in the homosexual men and 28% of the total in the intravenous drug users.

Measurement, Drug addicts, Drug abusers, Gay men, CD4 lymphocytes, CD8 lymphocytes

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Effect of smoking on the clinical progression of HIV-1 infection

Article Abstract:

Smoking does not appear to hasten the progression of AIDS but it may increase the risk of oral candidiasis. Oral candidiasis, also called thrush, is a common complication of AIDS. Researchers analyzed the effect of smoking on AIDS progression in 2,499 HIV-positive men. Smoking was not associated with faster AIDS progression, death or development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. However, in men with CD4 cell counts below 200, smoking increased the risk of thrush by 40%.

Health aspects, Risk factors, Smoking, Thrush (Mouth disease), Oral candidiasis

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