Immune Dysfunction and Coinfection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and in Yi People.

Objective: To explore the association between infections with HIV and , and to determine the influences of the HIV- coinfections on the immune system of Yi people.

Methods: A block design study was conducted in a Yi county in southwestern China, one of the endemic areas of both HIV/AIDS and in China. All participants were screened for HIV antibodies and antibodies (SjAb) and were classified into four groups: HIV(+)/(-), HIV(-)/ (+), HIV(+)/(+), and HIV(-)/(-).

Results: There were significant differences among the four groups in both CD4 T lymphocytes and CD8 T lymphocytes, but no significant difference in CD3 T lymphocytes. Both the CD4 T lymphocyte counts and the ratio of CD4/CD8 were lower in HIV-infected people compared with those uninfected. People infected with had increased CD4 T lymphocyte counts but reduced CD8 T lymphocyte counts. Similarly, the ratio of CD4/CD8 was higher in -infected people compared with those uninfected. People coinfected with HIV and had lower CD4 T lymphocyte counts, lower ratio of CD4/CD8, and higher CD8 T lymphocyte counts compared with those infected with HIV only or only. People infected with HIV only and those coinfected with HIV and had a higher level of IFN- compared with people with no infection. There were no significant differences between people infected with HIV only and with only in the levels of IFN- and IL-10.

Conclusions: People coinfected with HIV and might have a suppressed immune function because of a decrease in CD4 T lymphocyte counts, a lowered ratio of CD4/CD8, and an increase in CD8 T lymphocyte counts. Coinfection with HIV and would alter the level of IFN- in plasma.