Nasal mucosal cell alterations in HIV-infected patients

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection frequently present with nasopharyngeal symptoms.
• These symptoms are often linked to upper respiratory tract inflammatory or infectious conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate specific nasal mucosal cytologic alterations in adult HIV patients.
• To determine associations between these cytologic changes, nasopharyngeal symptoms, and clinical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Nasal mucosal cytology was performed on 62 adult patients from an urban HIV clinic.
• Quantities of goblet cells, vacuolated cells, and leukocytes were analyzed.
• Associations were examined with clinical aspects, including prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms (>2 weeks).

Main Results:

• Increased goblet cells were noted with nasal eosinophilia and seasonally (April-October), but not linked to symptoms or atopy.
• Allergic rhinitis or recent upper respiratory infection correlated with increased vacuolated epithelial cells.
• Prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms were associated with higher nasal leukocyte counts and abnormal nasal physical findings, but not higher vacuolated cell proportions.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms in HIV-infected individuals are linked to a specific nasal cellular pattern.
• This pattern may reflect recurrent or persistent nasal inflammation, potentially secondary to upper respiratory infections.