Immune Activation and HIV-1 Viraemia In an Asymptomatic Paediatric Patient

Abstract

Immune stimulation due to secondary infection may enhance HIV replication and viraemia, since cellular activation of CD4+T-cells is required for viral replication. We describe a case of an 18 months old child, exposed intrauterinely to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV -1). During a period of various infections, which was followed by transient viraemia, decrease of CD4 + T -lymphocytes and increase of neopterin concentrations was registered. Disease progression may have occured due to activation of latent HIV-l in CD4+ T -lymphocytes/macrophages by secondary infections.

Keywords

• immune activation
• human immunodeficiency virus
• neopterin