Normalization of CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion in patients without HIV infection treated for tuberculosis

Chest. 1994 May;105(5):1335-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.105.5.1335.

Abstract

A decrease in the number of circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes occurs in subjects infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In those without HIV infection, depletion of T-lymphocytes in general and CD4+ cells in particular has been reported in association with many underlying conditions, including tuberculosis. A low CD4+ T-lymphocyte count at the time of diagnosis of tuberculosis does not clarify whether the low count is a predisposing factor for or a consequence of the disease. Our patients without HIV infection but with tuberculosis and CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion on presentation normalized their CD4+ cell counts with tuberculosis treatment. This normalization strongly suggests that tuberculosis is a reversible cause of CD4+ lymphocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis
  • Adult
  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes*
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • HIV-1
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / immunology*