Phagocytosis and microbicidal capacity of human monocytes in the course of HIV infection.

Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of human monocytes were studied in asymptomatic HIV carriers and in patients with clinically apparent HIV infection, diagnosed as persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL) or AIDS-related complex (ARC). Monocytes of asymptomatic HIV carriers manifested no significant changes while a decreased phagocytosis was shown by monocytes in the majority of patients with PGL or ARC. The latter patients also exhibited a decreased bactericidal activity of the cells. Tuftsin and even serum from healthy donors were found to normalise the disturbed monocyte function, the effect of tuftsin being more pronounced. Nevertheless, the examined sera contained neither factors which could stimulate nor factors which could inhibit phagocytosis. The obtained results indicated that the productive phase of HIV infection is associated with disturbed phagocytosis and disturbed microbicidal activity of monocytes, reflecting deficiency of serum factor(s) needed for the normal function of the cells.