The role of passive immunization in HIV-positive patients - A case report

An HIV positive patient presented with pulmonary tuberculosis as her AIDS-d efining diagnosis in 1993 and was effectively treated with 12 months of sta ndard antituberculosis medications (isoniazide, rifampin, and pyrazinamide for 2 months). She received zidovudine for 6 weeks at the time of her diagn osis; however, because of patient preference, she has not received subseque nt standard HIV medications (7 years). Her CD4 count at the time of diagnos is (1993) was 297/muL. Monthly passive immunotherapy was administered (fres h frozen plasma from HIV-negative blood donors with a significant titer for the anti-vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP]/NTM antibody) from December 1 993 to June 1994. Her CD4 count increased to > 400/muL during the passive i mmunotherapy and has remained stable for the past 6 years. The rational for the use of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies preparations in HIV, the possible mode of action of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies, the use of Ig preparations, and the r ole of exercise as a natural source of anti-VIP/NTM antibodies are discusse d. This case report supports the potential therapeutic use of anti-VIP anti bodies for treatment of HIV disease.