Research deconstructs infection-worsening immune response to HIV

A pair of studies published in the journal Blood have determined a potential cause of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, or IRIS, a side effect of HIV therapy.

IRIS occurs when the body responds to antiretroviral therapy by producing an exaggerated immune response to an existing infection, which, according to the study, worsens the infection’s symptoms.

After comparing blood samples from HIV-positive individuals with fungal or bacterial co-infections, researchers found that those with higher counts of antibodies called T lymphocytes eventually produced more interferon gamma.

The study’s authors suggest that interferon gamma is to blame for the counterproductive allergic inflammation of IRIS.

IRIS is only one of many possible complications of HIV, which may include tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcomas and many other secondary infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For individuals concerned about STDs and their sexual health, online testing services may provide quick and private results.

Approximately 21 percent of those with HIV, or an estimated 232,700 Americans, are unaware of being infected, according to the CDC.