Normal CD16 Expression and Phagocytosis of Mycobacterium avium Complex by Monocytes from a Current Cohort of HIV-1–Infected Patients

Monocyte phenotype and function were measured in whole blood sampled from a current cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals attending a large, metropolitan, university-affiliated hospital. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of CD16 + monocytes or the capacity of monocytes to ingest heat-killed Mycobacterium avium complex between these individuals and HIV-uninfected control subjects, regardless of viral load, current CD4 + T cell count, nadir CD4 + T cell count, or time since diagnosis of HIV infection. CD16 + monocyte prevalence was, however, elevated in patients not currently receiving antiretroviral therapy. We conclude that HIV type 1 infection in the setting of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with normal monocyte function and phenotype.