Human spleen cells from an HIV-seropositive donor were immunized in vitro with the aa583-599 peptide conjugated to an heptalysyl core. This sequence was derived from the putatively HIV-immunosuppressive region of HIV1 gp41. The same conjugated peptide was used to immunize mice. One human and one mouse IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the aa583-599 peptide were obtained. The two mAb had distinct patterns of reactivity against a panel of 42 peptides with modified sequences. Neither of the mAb inhibited the immunosuppressive effect of aa583-599 octopus-lys-conjugated peptide on anti-CD3 Ab-induced lymphoproliferation. In addition, both mAb did not neutralize cell-free virus transmission or enhance HIV infection. However, HmAb inhibited formation of syncytia between HIV1-infected (but not HIV2-infected cells) and non-infected target cells at concentrations above 20 micrograms/ml, whereas MmAb did not have any effect. The degree of conservation of the aa583-599 region makes HmAb a candidate for use as a group-specific reagent in future HIV1 passive immunotherapy protocols.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hospital-based study of sexually transmitted diseases at Murewa rural district hospital, Zimbabwe 1991-1992.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Zimbabwe, sexually transmitted diseases are highly prevalent and represent a significant amount of the workload for physicians. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus as well as symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 500 volunteers (285 women and 215 men) attending an sexually transmitted disease clinic in the Murewa District, 100 km northeast of the capital, Harare. Information on background characteristics and symptoms were obtained with a standardized questionnaire, and samples were collected and immediately transported to the laboratory for examination. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were 20-29 years old. Half of the men and 12% of the women had never been married, and 7.9% of the men and 12% of the women were divorced. Genital ulcers and dysuria were the most prevalent symptoms in men (64% and 62%, respectively). In women, the most prevalent symptoms were lower vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain (91% and 79%, respectively). Almost 50% of the men and women were positive for human immunodeficiency virus-1 antibodies. The prevalence of Treponema pallidum and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 15% and 18%, respectively, in men and 19% and 10%, respectively, in women. Chlamydia trachomatis showed the lowest prevalence (8%) in both sexes. No relationship was found between human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. CONCLUSION: Women who enter a sexually transmitted disease clinic with vaginal discharge or lower abdominal pain should be tested for several sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus. Men with dysuria or urethral discharge who enter such clinics should at least be tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia without HIV infection: increased prevalence among patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (1 degree SS) is an autoimmune disease, usually accompanied by manifest immune hyperactivity. In some cases the disease converts to malignant neoplasia. On the other hand, there are clinical similarities to HIV infection. Since the rare phenomenon of persistent depletion of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood without HIV infection was recently defined as idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia (ICL), we have used the ICL criteria to investigate the prevalence of this phenomenon among 1 degree SS patients. METHODS: During the period 1988-94, 115 caucasian patients (10 males), mean age 57.8 (range 19-82) years, with 1 degree SS were prospectively studied. Lymphocyte subsets were investigated by means of monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. For the detection of HIV and HTLV antibodies, we used an enzyme immunoassay (for HIV-1 and HIV-2), Western blot techniques (HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I and HTLV-II), and the polymerase chain reaction procedure (HIV-1, HTLV-I and HTLV-II). HIV antigens were tested for with the HIV-1 p-24 Ag test. RESULTS: Six patients with 1 degree SS fulfilled the criteria for ICL. While the clinical condition of 5 of those six patients remained stable, one patient developed malignant lymphoma three years after her disease was classified as a case of ICL. The prevalence of ICL among our 115 patients with 1 degree SS was 5.2%, which is significantly higher than the rates reported for any other patient or population group. We have estimated the relative risk of ICL in 1 degree SS patients to vary from 3.4 to 6,000 (P values of 0.0001-0.025). CONCLUSION: We suggest that subjects with ICL should be carefully examined for 1 degree SS and, if its presence is confirmed, that they should be followed with regard to the possible complications of this disease, including the development of malignant lymphoma.

Adult↗