A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF PHAGOCYTE FUNCTION IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS

Objective: To study the influence of HIV infection on phagocyte functi on. To date, the results of phagocyte function studies in HIV-infected patients have been contradictory. This is the first longitudinal stud y of these functions in HIV infection. Design: We followed 50 individu als with HIV infection for 2-51 months (mean, 28 months) and examined polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) and monocyte functions at intervals of 0.5-1 years. Methods: PMNL random migration and chemotaxis were as sessed using an under-agarose method, and PMNL and monocyte oxidative metabolism by chemiluminescence production during phagocytosis of opso nized zymosan. Results: PMNL random migration and chemotaxis were impa ired at entry into the study by 15 and 19%, respectively. After 3 year s the reduction was 35 and 32%, respectively. The mean chemiluminescen ce production by PMNL was reduced by 6% at entry into the study. After 4 years a decrease of 18% was observed. The decrease in PMNL function was most marked in patients with lymphadenopathy syndrome or AIDS. No significant change in monocyte chemiluminescence production was detec ted at any time during the study. Conclusions: A distinct and progress ive decrease of PMNL function occurs during HIV infection. This may co ntribute to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections in HI V-infected patients. For monocytes, chemiluminescence production is no t influenced by HIV infection.