Increased production of IgE protein and IgE antibodies specific for fungal antigens in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

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Abstract
Summary Levels of IgE protein and IgE antibodies specific for 8 different allergenic extracts were measured in the serum of a large series of patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in HIV-seronegative subjects belonging to the same risk groups (intravenous drug-users, homosexual men and hemophiliacs). The proportion of subjects showing elevated IgE levels was higher among HIV-infected patients with group IV disease than among HIV-infected patients with group II–III diseases or seronegative individuals. In addition, many HIV-infected patients with elevated IgE levels showed the presence in their serum of IgE antibodies specific for fungal antigens.