ENHANCED PHAGOCYTE CHEMILUMINESCENCE IN ASYMPTOMATIC HIV-INFECTION

Seventeen asymptomatic HIV infected patients were studied for their ph agocyte function in vitro, in comparison with that of eight normal hea lthy persons. Chemiluminescence was measured using whole blood by mean s of a microtitreplate luminometer. Light indices, cumulative light in dices and rapidity of responses were recorded. The patients had a lowe r phagocyte count (13.17 +/- 0.85 x 10(9)/l) but a more rapid and inte nse chemiluminescence response. The latter was demonstrated by a highe r peak light index and cumulative response. The observed enhanced phag ocyte activity may reflect an early failure of T cell regulatory funct ions, or a compensatory mechanism in response to the underlying immuno deficiency.