HIV and intestinal parasite co-infections among a Chinese population: an immunological profile.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parasite infections often result in a switch of the human body's predominant immune reaction from T-helper 1 (Th1)-type to Th2-type. Hence, parasite infections are widely expected to accelerate the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the People's Republic of China, both parasitic diseases and AIDS are epidemic in certain rural areas, and co-infections are relatively common. However, no population-based studies have yet investigated the frequency of HIV and parasite co-infections, and its effects on immune responses. We studied (1) the immune status of an HIV-infected population, and (2) the effect of co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites on selected parameters of the human immune system.

SUBMITTER: Tian LG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3766051 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature