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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

Mannose-binding protein in HIV-seropositive patients does not contribute to disease progression or bacterial

M O McBride1, P B Fischer, M Sumiya

  • 1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Imperial College of Medicine at St Mary's, London, UK.

International Journal of STD & AIDS
|December 24, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Mannose-binding protein (MBP) deficiency did not link to infections in HIV patients. Unexpectedly, higher MBP levels correlated with increased bacterial infections, suggesting MBP acts as an acute phase reactant.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mannose-binding protein (MBP) is a key component of the innate immune system.
  • Mutations in the MBP gene can lead to MBP deficiency, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • The role of MBP in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and associated complications requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if plasma mannose-binding protein (MBP) deficiency, caused by MBP gene mutations, is associated with pyogenic or opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients.
  • To explore the relationship between MBP concentration, MBP genotype, and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 131 HIV-infected patients over a maximum of 12 months.
  • Measurement of plasma MBP concentrations using ELISA.
  • Genotyping of the MBP gene (exon 1) via PCR, restriction enzyme analysis, and Southern blotting.

Main Results:

  • No association was found between MBP concentration or genotype and disease progression or opportunistic infection rates.
  • An unexpected increase in bacterial infection rates was observed in patients with MBP levels > 100 ng/ml and wild-type genotype.
  • MBP levels may be elevated in patients with more frequent pyogenic infections due to its role as an acute phase reactant.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma MBP deficiency does not appear to play a significant role in the susceptibility to or progression of infections in HIV-infected patients.
  • The observed association between higher MBP levels and increased bacterial infections suggests MBP's function as an acute phase reactant in this context.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between MBP, bacterial infections, and HIV pathogenesis.

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