Bronchial reactivity to methacholine in HIV-infected individuals without AIDS

To evaluate bronchial reactivity to methacholine in human immunodeficiency virus (W) infection, we submitted 25 HIV-seropositive subjects without full-blown AIDS and 25 HIV-seronegative subjects, all inmates in a drug rehabili- tation center for previous intravenous drug abuse, to interview and to bronchial challenge with methacholine. Four (16 percent) HIV-seropositive and three (12 percent) HIV-seronegative subjects noted bronchospastic symptoms. Baseline FEV, and MEF50 percent were within the normal range in every patient. Bronchial hyperreactivity to meth- acholine (PD20FEV,<1,400 pg) was found in two (8 per- cent) HIV-seropositive and in four (16 percent) HIV-sero- negative subjects, with no significant difference in the frequency between the two groups. We conclude that HIV infection without AIDS in intravenous drug users does not appear to be associated with an increased frequency of bronchospastic disorders and to bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine.