Objective
To ascertain the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as well as, antiretroviral therapy (ART) on neutrophil oxidative burst in children.
Methods
Fifty-five children living with HIV infection (30 receiving ART for ≥ 2 y, 25 treatment-naïve) and 30 healthy controls, aged 18 mo–18 y, were assessed for hemogram and neutrophil oxidative burst. The treatment-naïve children were followed up and the above tests were repeated after 6 mo of ART.
Results
Mean (SD) serum MPO activity at 6 mo after ART [32.1 (± 19.9) U/L] was comparable to that at disease onset [17.2 (± 23.0) U/L], although it was significantly higher compared to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [13.3 (± 15.8) U/L] and controls [12.1 (± 11.9) U/L]. Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of unstimulated DHR was highest at 6 mo after ART and in the treatment-naïve group, which was significantly higher than in the controls, as well as, children receiving ART ≥ 2 y. Stimulation index was highest in the control group [442.4 (341.9–562.9)], which was comparable to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [304.2 (153.2–664.8)], but was significantly higher than the treatment-naïve cohort [266.1 (148.2–339.4)] and children on ART for 6 mo [318.8 (154.9–395.6)].
Conclusion
A hyperinflammatory state caused by an increased serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity and increased basal neutrophil oxidative burst was seen in untreated HIV infection and during initial 6 mo of ART. ART given for ≥ 2 y normalized the impaired neutrophilic phagocytic functions.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12098-022-04321-x.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.