An evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction in HIV-1 seronegative men

Article Abstract:

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a new technique in which low levels of genetic material are amplified to large quantities so that they can be studied. PCR is used to detect low levels of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in individuals who do not have detectable levels of HIV antibodies (based on the commonly used antibody test). The significance of positive PCR results in HIV-negative (seronegative) men is controversial, and the relation between such findings and the epidemiology of HIV infection is uncertain. An analysis of the results of the PCR reaction was performed with 324 men from the San Francisco Men's Health Study; 105 men were exclusively heterosexual and 219 were homosexual or bisexual. None of the men had detectable antibodies to HIV on standard tests. The frequency of positive PCR reactions between the two groups was compared and the risk factors for infection among the homosexual men were evaluated. Approximately 8.6 percent of the samples were weakly positive by the PCR reaction, but none were definitely positive. This finding occurred to the same level in men who had homosexual contact and were at risk for developing infection and in heterosexual men who were not at risk. These findings demonstrate that PCR testing does not provide evidence for the existence of a group of homosexual men with very low levels of virus. In addition, the results do not provide any indication that HIV can exist in low levels, as might occur in cases of latent infection (one that did not fully develop) or viral exposure without infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Usage, Diagnosis, HIV infection, HIV infections, Polymerase chain reaction, Gay men

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Direct HIV cytopathicity cannot account for CD4 decline in AIDS in the presence of homeostasis: a worst-case dynamic analysis

Article Abstract:

It seems unlikely that HIV causes immunosuppression directly by killing T cells. This is the most common theory regarding HIV-induced immunosuppression, but many studies have provided data contradicting this view. HIV is present in relatively low levels in blood and the immune system appears capable of regenerating T cells faster than the virus could reasonably kill them. It is estimated that 1% to 2% of the T cell population could be replaced daily, which is 10 to 20 times the rate that they would be depleted by HIV. It seems more likely that some type of immune dysfunction is responsible for producing AIDS.

Causes of, AIDS (Disease), Immunosuppression

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