Clinical findings and predictive factors for positive anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies in patients suffering from a non-tuberculosis mycobacteria or Talaromyces marneffei infection: a multicenter prospective cohort study

Sci Rep. 2022 May 31;12(1):9069. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-13160-x.

Abstract

We investigated the clinical features and screened for predictive factors of anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity. We enrolled 63 AIGA-positive (group 1) and 29 AIGA-negative (group 2) HIV-negative patients. White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and IgM levels were higher, whereas CD4+T cell count and hemoglobin level were lower in group 1 than in group 2. Co-infections, multiple infections, and disseminated infections were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Prognosis was worse in group 1 than in group 2, especially for relapse and persistent infections. The number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; WBC and neutrophil counts; globulin, IgG, IgM, and CRP levels; and ESR were significantly positively correlated with AIGA titers; however, CD4+T cell count was significantly negatively correlated with AIGA titers. Therefore, IgG, globulin, and CRP levels; CD4+T cell and WBC counts; the number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; and ESR were considered potential predictors for AIGA positivity. For HIV-negative hosts with double or multiple opportunistic, disseminated infections and high serum IgG and globulin levels, low CD4+T cell count, and an increase in inflammatory marker levels, positive AIGA-associated immunodeficiency should be considered.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • HIV Infections*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Mycoses
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
  • Opportunistic Infections*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Interferon-gamma

Supplementary concepts

  • talaromycosis