Detection of autoimmunity parameters in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

We have examined various autoimmunity parameters in AIDS with special emphasis on the expression of pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid antibodies. Sera from healthy seropositive individuals without syphilis (CS-, n = 17), seropositive individuals with syphilis (cs+, n = 11), and patients with AIDS (n = 6) were studied and compared with normal controls (n = 30); autoimmunity parameters related to dermatology were evaluated. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for pemphigus and pemphigoid antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-DNA antibodies, antismooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and antithyroid antibodies (ATA) was carried out and findings were graded with a cumulative index (CI) for each patient group. Pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid-like antibodies (IgG, PV + BP) were detected in 33% of the AIDS patients. Statistically increased CI (P less than 0.01) was found in the CS- group compared with the CS+ group and in the AIDS group compared with CS- (P less than 0.01).