IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES AND HTLV ANTIBODY STATUS OF MOTHERS OF INFANTS WITH AIDS

Thirteen infants with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with opportunistic infection and/or Kaposi's sarcoma have been identified in South Florida. The mothers of eight of these infants have been evaluated with regard to their immune status and the presence of antibody to the human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV). Five of the mothers are recent refugees from Haiti. Two have a history of intravenous drug abuse. Their ages range between 19 and 33 years. Two of the mothers have AIDS and one mother has an AIDS-like illness. The remainder of the mothers are healthy. Immunological studies in the mothers were compared to values obtained in healthy American Black and Haitian women. The mothers showed a higher IgG level (mean value - 2919mg%) as compared to controls. The percentage of T lymphocytes and T-helper cells were decreased in mothers as compared to controls. T helper/T suppressor ratios were generally lower in mothers (mean value- 0.47) as compared to Haitian women (mean value - 1.1) and American Black women (mean value - 1.45). Immunofluorescent studies and radioimmuno-assays for HTLV antibody were positive in 75% of mothers and in two of the children with AIDS. HTLV antibodies were found in 20% of Haitian women and none in the American Black women. In conclusion, the mothers show immune abnormalities similar to those found in patients with AIDS but the majority are clinically well. There is an increased incidence of HTLV antibody in the mothers as compared to controls.