Serodiagnostic profiles of HIV and HIV pathogenesis in vivo
Goudsmit, J.; Lange, J.M.; Smit, L.; Bakker, M.; Klaver, B.; Danner, S.A.; Coutinho, R.A.
Haematologia 21(2): 71-81
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-6559 PMID: 3166447 Document Number: 362563
Different stages of HIV infection are marked by expression of HIV genes, production of HIV antibodies, formation of antigen/antibody complexes and clearance of such complexes. Transient HIV antigenemia appearing generally 6-8 weeks prior to HIV antibody (HIV-Ab) seroconversion and lasting 3-4 months is generally seen in acute infection. If IgG antibodies to both envelope and core protein persist in the absence of HIV-Ag the short-term prognosis is relatively good. However, HIV-Ag seroconversion may appear at any time after HIV-Ab seroconversion. Progression to AIDS is strongly associated with declining or absent levels of IgG antibodies to p24. Titers of antibodies to HIV p 24 below 64 are strongly associated with the presence of HIV antigen and a poor clinical outcome. HIV antigen may be less efficiently detected with the present assays in sera from regions where the prototype strains of HIV (HTLV-III and LAV) are less prevalent, like Central Africa. Levels of HIV-Ag in serum, and possibly in CSF, can be decreased by nucleoside analogues, like AZT. This indicates HIV-Ag and possibly antibody to HIV core protein p24 as suitable markers for selecting individuals for antiviral therapy as well as monitoring the efficacy of such therapy.