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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
07:21

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment

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[Latent pneumocystis infection revealed after introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy]

R Borie1, J Camuset, L Bodart

  • 1Service de Pneumologie et de Réanimation Respiratoire, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France.

Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|April 11, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antiretroviral therapy for HIV can trigger immune reconstitution syndrome, leading to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia. Worsening respiratory symptoms post-therapy suggest infection requiring investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV management.
  • Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can complicate ART initiation.
  • Clinically unsuspected infections may manifest during IRIS.

Observation:

  • A 31-year-old patient with HIV-associated lymphoid interstitial pneumonia was treated with ART.
  • Following ART initiation, the patient experienced a sudden decline in respiratory function.
  • This decline was unexpectedly attributed to Pneumocystis infection.

Findings:

  • ART can unmask or exacerbate opportunistic infections in HIV patients.
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia is a potential complication of IRIS.
  • Pulmonary symptoms emerging or worsening after ART initiation warrant suspicion of infection.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider opportunistic infections in patients with new or worsening pulmonary symptoms after ART.
  • Diagnostic sampling is crucial for identifying specific infections like Pneumocystis.
  • Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections are vital for managing IRIS.

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