Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
Published on: June 11, 2011
Systemic immune activation and microbial translocation in dual HIV/tuberculosis-infected subjects
Zahra Toossi1, Nicholas T Funderburg, Sohani Sirdeshmuk
1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. zxt2@case.edu
Background:
Systemic immune activation is a strong predictor of progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease and a prominent feature of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Objective:
To understand the role of systemic immune activation and microbial translocation in HIV/tuberculosis dually infected patients over the full spectrum of HIV-1 immunodeficiency, we studied circulating sCD14 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and their relationship to HIV-1 activity.
Methods:
Two cohorts of HIV/tuberculosis subjects defined by CD4 T-cell count at time of diagnosis of tuberculosis were studied: those with low (<350/microL) and those with high (≥ 350/microL) CD4 T-cell count. Circulating soluble CD14 (sCD14) and LPS were assessed.
Results:
Levels of sCD14 were higher in HIV/tuberculosis with high (≥ 350/microL) as compared to low CD4 T-cell count (P < .001). Whereas sCD14 levels remained elevated in HIV/tuberculosis subjects with lower CD4 T-cell counts despite treatment of tuberculosis, in HIV/tuberculosis patients with higher CD4 T-cell count (≥ 350/microL), levels declined regardless of whether highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was included with the anti-tuberculosis regimen. Circulating LPS levels in HIV/tuberculosis patients with CD4 T-cell count ≥ 350/microL were unaffected by treatment of tuberculosis with or without HAART.
Conclusion:
During HIV/tuberculosis, systemic immune activation is dissociated from microbial translocation. Changes in circulating sCD14 and LPS are dependent on CD4 T-cell count.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Sexually Transmitted Infections
