Acquired immune deficiency in Haitians: opportunistic infections in previously healthy Haitian immigrants
Vieira, J.; Frank, E.; Spira, T.J.; Landesman, S.H.
New England Journal of Medicine 308(3): 125-129
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-4793 PMID: 6217423 DOI: 10.1056/nejm198301203080303Document Number: 425898
We describe acquired immune deficiency manifested by opportunistic infections in 10 previously healthy heterosexual Haitian men. The opportunistic pathogens included Toxoplasma gondii (in four patients), Cryptococcus neoformans (in one), Pneumocystis carinii (in four patients), and Candida albicans (in three). Six of the patients also had Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Immunologic studies of three patients showed a decrease in the numbers and activity of helper T cells, with normal or increased populations of suppressor T cells. Serologic markers for previous infections from hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus were detected in several patients. Six of the patients died despite specific antimicrobial therapy. The clinical and immunologic findings in these 10 Haitians are similar to those reported in drug addicts and homosexuals with the acquired immune-deficiency syndrome.