Abstract
Erythrocyte adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was assessed in 33 children born to human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)-positive mothers. The enzyme values were significantly increased in infected, symptom-free children compared with a control group of HIV-negative subjects (mean +/- SD: 0.34 +/- 0.01 unit/ml red blood cells (RBC) vs. 0.25 +/- 0.04 unit/ml RBC, P less than 0.01) and a further significant increase was found in symptomatic children (0.45 +/- 0.02 unit/ml RBC, P less than 0.01 vs. infected, symptom-free children). ADA values were slightly enhanced also in the group of infants in whom the state of HIV infection was indeterminate (0.29 +/- 0.03 unit/ml RBC, P not significant vs. controls). These data indicate that increased erythrocyte ADA activity may be a useful though indirect marker of HIV infection in children at risk and be of possible prognostic relevance. Since increased values were present also in children without overt infections or hematologic disorders, and ADA activity of erythrocytes obtained from healthy donors did not increase after 1 hour incubation with patients' serum, HIV could induce large amounts of cellular enzyme infecting directly erythroid precursor cells.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
