Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Homosexual men in London: lymphadenopathy, immune status, and Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1984;437:238-53. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85197357 Weller I; Crawford DH; Iliescu V; MacLennan K; Sutherland S; Tedder RS; Adler MW
Abstract:
By November 7, 1983, 24 cases of AIDS in the United Kingdom had been reported to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. At the same time an increasing number of homosexual men with unexplained lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS) have been seen in our department. Between December 1982 and July 1983, 14 homosexual men with LAS and 11 healthy homosexual men were studied. Patients with LAS had a high number of lifetime episodes of sexually transmitted diseases, a history of recent sexual activity in the United States (9 of 14), sexual contact with British AIDS patients or other persons with LAS (7 of 14), and hypergammaglobulinemia. Low T-helper/T-suppressor ratios (less than 0.8), due mainly to a decrease in T-helper cells, were found in both groups. Lymph node biopsies showed follicular hyperplasia and hypocellular pattern. All 25 patients studied had antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen (anti-VCA) and 11 had antibodies to early antigen (anti-EA); 13 of 17 were excreting the virus; and two showed no Epstein-Barr-virus-specific regression. Peripheral blood immunoglobulin-producing B-cells from six patients with hypergammaglobulinemia were negative for the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA). Five lymph node biopsies showed no EBNA-positive cells. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is common in the patients with LAS and healthy homosexual men in London, but would not seem to be the cause of the polyclonal B-cell activation or lymphadenopathy.
Keywords: Adult Antibodies, Viral/IMMUNOLOGY/ISOLATION & PURIF Cytomegalovirus/IMMUNOLOGY/ISOLATION & PURIF Epidemiologic Methods Great Britain Herpesvirus 4, Human/IMMUNOLOGY/ISOLATION & PURIF *Homosexuality Human Immunoglobulins/IMMUNOLOGY/ISOLATION & PURIF Leukocyte Count London Lymph Nodes/PATHOLOGY Lymphatic Diseases/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*IMMUNOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY/ PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Lymphocytes Male Pilot Projects Sarcoma, Kaposi's/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*IMMUNOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Travel United States JOURNAL ARTICLE
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
