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Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
Published on: June 23, 2019
Atopy in HIV-infected children in Pretoria
R Masekela1, T Moodley, N Mahlaba
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria. refiloe.masekela@up.ac.za
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children did not correlate with atopy development. However, HIV-infected children showed higher rates of dermatitis and chronic rhinitis, suggesting non-atopic origins for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- The relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and atopy in children remains under-investigated in South Africa.
- While some international studies suggest a higher prevalence of atopy in HIV-infected adults, data for children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of atopy in children with HIV in South Africa.
- To determine if the stage of HIV disease influences the development or expression of allergic conditions.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study enrolled 50 HIV-infected children and 50 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative controls.
- Data collected included personal/family history of atopy, HIV staging (WHO and CDC), CD4 counts, and skin prick tests (SPTs) for aeroallergens.
- Children attended the Tshwane District Hospital Paediatric HIV Clinic in Pretoria.
Main Results:
- Ten percent of HIV-infected children and 16% of controls had positive SPTs.
- HIV-infected children exhibited higher percentages of chronic rhinitis (60%) and eczema (68%).
- No significant relationship was found between CD4 count and positive SPTs, asthma, or dermatitis, nor between CD4 count and family history of atopy.
Conclusions:
- The stage of HIV disease does not appear to influence the development or manifestation of allergies in children.
- A high prevalence of dermatitis and chronic rhinitis is observed in HIV-infected children, likely due to non-atopic factors.
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