Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Neutrophil Oxidative Burst in Children

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as well as, antiretroviral therapy (ART) on neutrophil oxidative burst in children. METHODS: Fifty-five children living with HIV infection (30 receiving ART for ≥ 2 y, 25 treatment-naïve) and 30 healthy controls, aged 18 mo–18 y, were assessed for hemogram and neutrophil oxidative burst. The treatment-naïve children were followed up and the above tests were repeated after 6 mo of ART. RESULTS: Mean (SD) serum MPO activity at 6 mo after ART [32.1 (± 19.9) U/L] was comparable to that at disease onset [17.2 (± 23.0) U/L], although it was significantly higher compared to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [13.3 (± 15.8) U/L] and controls [12.1 (± 11.9) U/L]. Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of unstimulated DHR was highest at 6 mo after ART and in the treatment-naïve group, which was significantly higher than in the controls, as well as, children receiving ART ≥ 2 y. Stimulation index was highest in the control group [442.4 (341.9–562.9)], which was comparable to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [304.2 (153.2–664.8)], but was significantly higher than the treatment-naïve cohort [266.1 (148.2–339.4)] and children on ART for 6 mo [318.8 (154.9–395.6)]. CONCLUSION: A hyperinflammatory state caused by an increased serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity and increased basal neutrophil oxidative burst was seen in untreated HIV infection and during initial 6 mo of ART. ART given for ≥ 2 y normalized the impaired neutrophilic phagocytic functions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12098-022-04321-x.