Varicella-zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity in HIV-infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

Adriana Weinberg, Andrew A. Wiznia, Bonnie J. LaFleur, Sona Shah, Myron J. Levin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a frequent complication of advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We determined the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on reconstitution of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (VZV-CMI) in 56 VZV- and HIV-infected children. VZV-CMI did not change over the course of ≥3 years of observation, despite a reduction in HIV load. VZV-CMI correlated with lower HIV load but not with CD4 cell percentage. The incidence of HZ was unaffected by HAART. None of 5 patients who developed HZ during the study had VZV-CMI before developing HZ. After developing HZ, only the 2 HAART-compliant patients developed VZV-CMI. Thus, VZV-specific immune reconstitution in HIV infection may require antigenic reexposure, in addition to control of HIV replication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)267-270
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume190
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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