HIV and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
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Related Terms:
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Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS, antiretroviral therapy, antiretrovirals, ART, CD4 cell, CMV, CMV retinitis, cryptococcal meningitis, cytomegalovirus, cytomegalovirus retinitis, helper T-cells, HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, immune reaction, immune defense system, immune reconstitution, immune reconstitution disease, immune reconstitution syndrome, immune response, immune system, immunocompromised, immunodeficiency, impaired immune system, infections, inflammation, inflammatory syndrome, IRD, IRS, MAC, meningitis, mycobacterium avium complex, OI, opportunistic infections, pathogen, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, pneumonia, reconstituted immune system, restored immune system, suppressed immune system, retrovirus, tuberculosis, viral infection, virus. |
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Immune reconstitution occurs when a patient's impaired immune system function is restored. For instance, HIV patients have suppressed immune systems that are unable to adequately fight against infections and diseases, making them extremely vulnerable to opportunistic infections (infections that occur in individuals with weakened immune systems). When an infectious organism enters the body of an immunocompromised HIV patient, the inflammatory process is inhibited. Therefore, HIV patients receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps stop the retrovirus from multiplying and subsequently repairs the body's immune system. |
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Some HIV patients with very weak immune systems, especially those receiving ART, experience immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Once the immunocompromised patient receives treatment that restores immune system function, the body is capable of recognizing infectious organisms. If an infectious organism is present, it will trigger an overproduction of inflammatory mediators. This condition is called IRIS. |
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While immune reconstitution syndrome signals a healthier immune system, it can be a serious and potentially fatal condition. Common infections associated with IRIS include cryptococcal meningitis, cytomegalovirus infections, mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections, tuberculosis (TB) and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia). |
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Researchers estimate that about 20% of patients receiving ART develop IRIS. |
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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