Role of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Infection by Retroviruses with Emphasis on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

Neutrophil function is an integral part of the host defense against multiple pathogens. Through phagocytosis and production of toxic substances, these short lived cells aid in the effective elimination of invading microorganisms such as bacterial and fungal targets. Viral infections, and in particular those of the retroviral type, appear to suppress the immune response through direct cytotoxic destruction of immune cells or alteration of the biochemical interactions that are essential for eradicating the foreign agent. In this report, we describe abnormalities of neutrophil number and function consequent to HIV and other retroviral infections. A myriad of mechanisms, either alone or in concert may explain the underlying aberrations.

Expression of Fcγr1 (CD64) on Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes during Progression to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Perinatally Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Children

“…This observation is similar to the increased numbers of CD64 PMNs seen in stages III and IV of adult HIV infection [11]. At this time, we do not know whether expression of CD64 by PMNs plays a key role in the advancement of perinatal HIV disease [40]. However, the close correlation between progressing HIV disease and increasing frequency of CD64 PMNs suggests that quanti®cation of CD64 PMNs can be applied as an additional criterion for evaluation of patients' clinical status.…”

“…Several interleukins (ILs) have been described which affect the expression and function of immunologically important PBL receptor molecules, such as CD32 (FcgRII), CD16 (FcgRIII) and Cd11b/CD18 (CR3) in vitro and possibly in vivo during the progression of HIV disease [36,37,40,41]. We were unable to demonstrate any changes with respect to the expression of these cell-surface receptors in PMNs.…”

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of blood culture isolates from human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in Nigeria

“…HIV-infected patients may be predisposed to blood stream infections due to several conditions such as defective cell-mediated immunity, altered B-cell function and qualitative and quantitative deficits of neutrophils leading to an increase in the susceptibility of the patient to bacterial infections (Mertins and Ortona, 1990;Zurlo and Lane, 1997).…”

Nosocomial Infections in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

“…Symptoms of abdominal illness such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite were also associated with bloodstream infections caused by pathogens (Varma, McCarthy et al 2010). HIV-infected patients may be predisposed to bloodstream infections due to several conditions such as defective cell-mediated immunity, altered B-cell function with a consequent lack of serum opsonins against some encapsulated bacteria and qualitative and quantitative deficits of neutrophils leading to an increase in the susceptibility of the patient to bacterial and fungal infections (Mertins, Ortona et al 1990;Zurlo and Lane 1997).…”