Granulocyte-associated immunoglobulins in asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of granulocyte-associated immunoglobulins (GA-IgG) during the follow-up of asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects. An increase in GA-IgG was detected in 32 asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects by a granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT). At study onset, 7 (21.8%) had a positive GIFT. The prevalence of positive GIFT increased with time in the study subjects. No neutropenia was found. No significant difference was observed in subjects with positive or negative GIFT with respect to mean CD4 lymphocyte count and mean neutrophil count. The presence of GA-IgG was not associated to a positive direct antiglobulin test or of elevated platelet associated IgG.