Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)–Specific Antibody in Cervicovaginal Lavage Specimens Obtained from Women Infected with HIV Type 1

To evaluate correlates of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) immunoglobulin (Ig) in the genital tract, anti-HIV-gp120 IgA and IgG titers in cervicovaginal lavage specimens obtained from 104 HIV-1-infected women were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 24% and 94% of women had detectable anti-gp120 IgA and IgG, respectively. CD4 cell count correlated negatively with total IgA concentration (r=-0.301; P=.0027) and positively with specific IgA activity (anti-gp120 IgA titer/total IgA concentration, r=0.306; P=.0023). Women with bacterial vaginosis had 5-fold lower anti-gp120 IgG titer (P=.0042), 5-fold lower total IgG concentration (P< or =.0001), and 4-fold higher specific IgG activity (P=.0474) compared with women who did not have bacterial vaginosis. Enhanced understanding of correlates of mucosal immunity to HIV-1 may assist in the design of vaccine strategies or in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV-1.