Sublingual allergen immunotherapy in HIV-positive patients.

HIV infection is a relative contraindication for allergic immunotherapy (AIT). In the last decade, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the immune function and life expectancy in HIV-infected patients whose respiratory allergic incidence is similar to the general population. We evaluated the safety and clinical effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapy in a group of grass pollen-allergic HAART-treated HIV-positive patients. Thirteen patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet (Oralair, Stallergenes©) and symptomatic therapy and were compared with nine patients receiving symptomatic therapy alone. Clinical benefits were evaluated by the analysis of total combined score (TCS), sum of symptom-medication score, and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. HIV viral load and peripheral TCD4 lymphocytes were analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Clinical efficacy data showed a significant improvement in SLIT-treated patients compared to controls (TCS: P = 0.0001; QoL: P = 0.03). We did not observe any significant alteration of TCD4 cell counts and viral load (VL) in both groups. Our preliminary data showed that SLIT therapy in viro-immunological controlled HAART treated HIV positive patients was efficacious, safe and well tolerated.

Factors influencing dieldrin and DDT residues in carp from the Des Moines River, Iowa, 1977-80.

Concentrations of dieldrin and DDT in muscle tissue and fat of carp, Cyprinus carpio, from the Des Moines River, Iowa, differed significantly with month of collection, fish age, and sampling location. Pesticide levels expressed on the basis of wet weight of flesh often differed from those expressed on a fat basis. Fish from reservoirs tended to have higher levels of dieldrin, but not of DDT, than did fish from riverine locations.