Increased expression of HIV co-receptor CXCR4 on CD4+ T-cells in patients with active visceral leishmaniasis

Enhanced expression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-receptor CXCR4 renders T-lymphocytes more susceptible for infection with HIV. We demonstrate that patients with active visceral leishmaniasis have a higher proportion of circulating CD4+ T-cells expressing CXCR4 than healthy controls, suggesting that Leishmania may facilitate HIV infection of CD4+ lymphocytes.