Immunologic abnormalities in infections with the human immunodeficiency virus

Studies of the immunologic characteristics of patients infected with HIV reveal a broad spectrum of immune deficits, most of which may be traced to the direct infection and impairment of Th cell function. Some abnormalities, however, such as the polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes and the destruction of Ts cells, remain unexplained. A pattern of immunologic abnormalities characterizes HIV infection. This pattern includes alterations in the number and function of Th cells, Ts cells, B cells, monocyte/macrophages, and NK cells. Serologic changes have also been noted, including elevations in immunoglobulin levels and β-2 microglobulin levels. On the basis of these findings and the study of several hundred patients, a panel of immunologic tests has proven useful in providing the needed information to diagnose the existence of immunologic destruction resulting from HIV infection. This immunologic profile consists of HIV antibody typing, CBC with differential cell count, enumeration of T-cell subtypes, and quantitation of serum immunoglobulin and β-2 microglobulin levels.