Correlation of serum antigen and antibody concentration with clinical features in HIV infection

Article Abstract:

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is associated with AIDS related complex. The presence of the virus may be indicated by identification in the blood of HIV antigens, viral molecules against which people form antibodies (anti-HIV antibodies). Persistent antigenemia, or measurable levels of antigens in the blood, is associated with progressive disease and increased risk of developing AIDS or AIDS-related complex. In newborns, antigenemia is thought to indicate active disease, while antibodies, when present, are most likely acquired from the mother. To better understand the relationship between antigenemia and the AIDS disease process in children, antigen and antibody levels were measured in 164 infants and children with HIV infection acquired from the mother, and medical signs of disease were evaluated. The children were aged 1 month to 11 years. In one group of 50 patients who underwent testing, 72 percent had at least one antigen present. In repeated testing of 164 patients, one particular antigen, p24, was detectable in 120 (73 percent) of them. Another antigen, p17, occurred in a similar number of patients, while fewer had detectable levels of gp120 or gp41. Ninety percent of patients had elevated antibody levels, and these were higher in children with detectable antigen levels. Immune function was also decreased to a greater extent in patients with antigenemia. Three stages of HIV disease were identified: an initial, asymptomatic phase; a middle, symptomatic phase; and an accelerated phase preceding death. Low or undetectable antigen levels were associated with stable or mild disease, while pronounced antigenemia was associated with death within 24 months. A level of p24 antigen greater than 30 picograms per milliliter was associated with a poor outcome in 70 percent of patients, and antibody levels decreased, indicating reduced immune function, in the period preceding death. The study suggests that continued monitoring of antigen and antibody levels in HIV-infected children provides a good indication of the disease stage for each individual. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prognosis, HIV antigens, AIDS (Disease) in children, Pediatric AIDS (Disease), HIV antibodies

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HIV DNA blood levels in vertically infected pediatric patients: variations with age, association with disease progression, and comparison with blood levels in infected mothers

Article Abstract:

High blood levels of HIV DNA in infants born to HIV-infected mothers is a sign that the baby may quickly develop AIDS. In a study of HIV-infected women and their newborn infants, researchers found that HIV DNA levels rose continuously after birth to a peak at 4 to 8 months and then declined. Infants whose HIV DNA levels peaked early were more likely to develop severe HIV infection. These children had more than 800 copies of HIV DNA per 0.1 milliliter of blood between 3 weeks and 2 months and over 2,500 copies by 4 to 6 months. Women with high HIV DNA levels were more likely to transmit the virus to their baby.

Physiological aspects, DNA, HIV infection in children, Pediatric HIV infections, Viremia, Viral load

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Sexual behavior and injection drug use during pregnancy and vertical transmission of HIV-1

Article Abstract:

Sexual intercourse during pregnancy and abuse of cocaine and heroin seem to be risk factors for transmission of HIV to the fetus. This was the conclusion of a study that followed 201 HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants. Forty-nine women transmitted the virus to the baby, a transmission rate of 24%. Vaginal intercourse after the first trimester was linked to transmission as was cocaine and heroin abuse. The link between drug abuse and transmission was not restricted to women with premature birth or premature rupture of membranes.

Sexual behavior, HIV infections, Pregnant women, HIV patients, Disease transmission, Drug use, Pregnancy, HIV infection in pregnancy

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