HIV and Pneumococcal Immunity in Malawian Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Glennie Sarah J., Sepako Enoch, Mzinza David, Harawa Visopo, Miles David J. C., Jambo Kondwani C., Gordon Stephen B., Williams Neil A., Heyderman Robert S.
Primary Institution: Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the extent of pneumococcal-specific T cell memory dysfunction in asymptomatic HIV infection early on in the evolution of the disease.
Conclusion
Asymptomatic HIV-infected Malawian adults show early signs of pneumococcal-specific immune dysregulation, which may explain their susceptibility to invasive pneumococcal disease.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-infected individuals are up to 20 times more likely to develop invasive pneumococcal disease.
- The study found considerable immune disruption in asymptomatic HIV-infected adults.
- Pneumococcal-specific T cell proliferation was impaired in HIV-infected individuals.
- IL-17 production was preserved while IFN-γ production was reduced in HIV-infected individuals.
Takeaway
People in Malawi with HIV can still get sick from pneumonia even if their immune system seems okay, because their body isn't responding well to the bacteria.
Methodology
The study involved isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asymptomatic HIV-infected and uninfected adults and assessing T cell activation and responses using flow cytometry and ELISpot.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the specific context of the study.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific population in Malawi, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study included 85 adults, with 54 being asymptomatic HIV-infected and 31 healthy controls, with a median age of 31 years for HIV-infected individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p≤0.05
Statistical Significance
p≤0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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