Priso GDN, et al. - In plasma from asymptomatic anti-retroviral (ARV) naïve Loa loa microfilaraemic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected people, researchers investigated the filarial antibody responses specific to a filariasis composite antigen consisting of Wbgp29-BmR1-BmM14-WbSXP. As per findings, it seems that in ARV naïve HIV-1 infected people, Loa loa microfilaraemia could diminish Loa loa mediated immune-regulation through differential reduction of plasma levels of filarial antigen-specific IgG3, IgG4 and a significant increase in plasma levels of filarial antigen-specific IgE. This in effect can lead to increased loaisis mediated immunopathology in these individuals.

Methods

• In plasma from ARV naïve Loa loamicrofilaraemic HIV-1 infected participants, researchers determined the antibody responses specific to the filariasis composite antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• They also determined the filarial antigen specific IgG antibody subclass profiles for both HIV-1 positive and negative people.

Results

• Researchers noted significantly higher plasma levels of IgG1 (P < 0.0001), IgG2 (P < 0.0001) and IgM (P < 0.0001) in both Loa loa microfilaraemic HIV-1 positive and negative individuals relative to amicrofilaraemic participants.
• They noted a marked increase in IgE (P < 0.0001) exclusively in Loa loa microfilaraemic HIV-1 infected people.
• However, a significant reduction in the level of IgG4 (p < 0.0001) and IgG3 (P < 0.0001) was noted in Loa loa microfilaraemic HIV-1 infected individuals.