Immune reconstitution in the HAART era, Part 2: Implications for practice

As discussed in Part 1 of this series, HIV infection alters the function of the immune system. These alterations include declines in CD4-positive lymphocyte counts, disturbances in the function of the CD4-positive lymphocyte, diminished delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test responses and cell-mediated immune responses, phenotypic changes in lymphocytes, and changes in cytoxic T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell function. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically improved CD4-positive lymphocyte counts and quality of life, there have been unforeseen consequences of immune reconstitution. For example, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis C flares have been observed in HAART-treated patients coinfected with HIV and CMV and hepatitis C (HCV). Part 2 of this series will examine the clinical consequences of immune reconstitution in persons with HIV infection.