Predictive value of CD4 lymphocyte numbers for the development of opportunistic infections and malignancies in HIV-infected persons

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters into T lymphocytes via the molecule CD4 and eventually kills these cells. CD4+ lymphocytes are involved in stimulation of the immune system and the loss of these cells results in an immunodeficient state, which allows the development of certain types of infections and cancer. The development of certain infections commonly occurs in a particular order. The order for 12 AIDS-related illnesses, oral infection with the fungus candida and asymptomatic infections was related to the levels of CD4+ cells in 185 HIV-infected individuals who had 265 illnesses related to AIDS. The study began two months prior to diagnosis or one month after diagnosis. These conditions were grouped into five categories. Asymptomatic infections occurred with less than 500 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Oral candidiasis and tuberculosis occurred when there were between 250 and 500 CD4+ cells in each cubic millimeter of blood. Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and cryptosporidiosis occurred with between 150 and 200 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex, herpes simplex ulceration, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, and esophageal candidiasis occurred with between 75 and 125 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Cytomegalovirus retinitis occurred with less than 50 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter of blood. The order of the development of infections and cancer in AIDS patients, based on levels of CD4 cells, provides a laboratory basis for beginning treatment and prophylaxis (preventive therapy) for these illnesses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Opportunistic infections, Immunodeficiency, CD4 lymphocytes

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Prevalence and persistence of antibody titers to recombinant HIV-1 core and matrix proteins in HIV-1 infection

Article Abstract:

Development of antibodies to the p17 and p24 proteins be predictive of disease progression in HIV-positive individuals from certain populations. P17 and p24 are two types of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) proteins. A study examined the development of antibodies to p17 and p24 HIV-1 proteins in 121 individuals from France and 95 individuals from Central Africa in different stages of HIV infection. Antibodies to p24 were a useful marker for disease progression in individuals from Northern Europe but not in those from Central Africa. Initial development of antibodies to p24 was more predictive of disease progression than changes in antibody levels over time. Antibodies to p17 were a useful indicator for disease progression in African patients but not in French patients. African individuals with AIDS were less likely to have antibodies to p17 than those with asymptomatic HIV infection.

Proteins, Antibodies

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