AIDS, HIV-positive patients, and allergies

HIV is a disease that attacks the central control mechanisms of the immune response, yielding a condition that results in opportunistic infections, ma lignancies, and death. Yet, in many HIV+ patients, the morbidity from immun e-based hypersensitivity state is IgE-mediated conditions. The incidence of atopy is similar to HIV- counterparts except for drug sensitivities, which are significantly higher in this population. Clinical manifestations are s imilar and the therapeutic approach is the same as that for any other atopi c patient. The use of allergen immunotherapy for allergic respiratory disea ses in HIV+ patients is currently under-going investigation. Data in pilot studies and case reports suggest AIT may be safe and effective in HIV+ pati ents, at least those with early and middle disease. The practicing allergis t-immunologist should be aware of the likelihood of seeing HIV+ atopic pati ents in his or her practice and should be prepared to consider therapies to minimize morbidities and improve quality of life for these individuals who se life expectancies are continuing to improve with new antiretroviral ther apy development.