Haemophilia, HIV and the Immune Response

Gracie, James Alastair (1987) Haemophilia, HIV and the Immune Response. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis reports the results on a variety of immunological studies on a cohort of the haemophiliac population attending the Haemophilia Centre at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The studies were carried out, looking for any abnormality which could be associated either with factor consumption or HIV infection. A small percentage (around 8%) of the haemophiliac population show evidence of HIV infection as detected by the presence of antibodies to the virus. Skin testing showed an impaired cell mediated immunity in vivo which was related to the amount of concentrate used in therapy. Various in vitro tests were carried out, the patients being grouped according to HIV antibody status or factor usage. Lymphopenia was not present in any patient group and reduced T cell subset ratios were observed only in the HIV+. This was due to a decrease in absolute numbers of T4 cells. The in vitro response to mitogens and antigen was reduced but only in the HIV+ group. Assays were developed to measure Interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin production in vitro. HIV+ but not HIV- patients produced significantly less IL-2 than controls. Serum IgG, IgM and IgA were raised in all treated patient groups, especially those HIV+. In vitro studies show that while HIV- patients have normal production of immunoglobulins spontaneously, HIV+ patients show increased levels. Neither group can be stimulated to produce levels as high as controls. beta2-Microglobulin levels were raised in all haemophiliacs, with HIV+ being higher than HIV-. Finally, the effect of addition of concentrate or disrupted HIV on various in vitro studies was examined. In general, addition of these inhibited the response of normals.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Medicine, Immunology
• Date of Award: 1987
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1987-77498
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2020 11:53
• Last Modified: 14 Jan 2020 11:53
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/77498