Abstract
Studies demonstrate that Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) is present in the lungs of healthy individuals without acute respiratory symptoms or acute respiratory infection and is more common in the lungs of HIV-infected individuals and in smokers. The impact of T. whipplei colonization in the lung on local inflammation and pulmonary dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals is currently unknown. In this study, we performed specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for T. whipplei in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and induced sputum (IS) samples in 76 HIV-infected participants from three clinical sites. Pulmonary function and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in BAL were measured. Frequency of T. whipplei in either BAL or IS was 43.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of IS compared to BAL for detection of T. whipplei was 92.3% and 84.2%, respectively, and isolates of T. whipplei in the BAL and IS in the same subject shared genetic identity. Pulmonary function measures were not associated with T. whipplei colonization, and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in BAL and plasma as well as percentages of inflammatory cells in BAL and IS were not higher in colonized individuals. Overall, these results indicate that T. whipplei colonization in the lung is common, but may not be associated with decreased pulmonary function or inflammation in HIV-infected individuals.
Highlights
The organism Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) causes Whipple’s disease, an infectious disease that primarily involves the gastrointestinal tract [1]
Sensitivity and specificity of induced sputum (IS) compared to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for detection of T. whipplei was 92.3% and 84.2%, respectively
We found concordance between BAL and IS samples in the detection of T. whipplei
Summary
The organism Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) causes Whipple’s disease, an infectious disease that primarily involves the gastrointestinal tract [1]. The prevalence of pulmonary involvement in Whipple’s disease is about 13 percent, and its clinical respiratory features. Tropheryma whipplei colonization and lung function in HIV-infected individuals were supported by U01-AI-103390 (RG). MACS (UO1-AI-35042, UL1-RR025005, UO1-AI-35043, UO1-AI-35039, UO1-AI-35040, UO1-AI-35041); WIHS (UO1-AI-35004, UO1-AI-31834, UO1-AI34994, UO1-AI-34989, UO1-AI-34993, UO1-AI42590). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
