title: Immunological and virological markers of HIV-disease progression.
abstract: This review, based upon scientific literature, evaluates a number of immunological and virological markers for their usefulness as prognostic indicators for progression of HIV disease. The most widely studied marker, the CD4 positive T lymphocyte count, is perhaps the best single indicator of stage of illness. Serum factors such as neopterin and beta-2 microglobulin, alone and in combination with CD4 cell counts, have been shown to have good predictive value. Measurement of viral burden by quantification of viral RNA levels in plasma and immune cells also holds promise for following disease progression. It is recommended that a combination of these factors be monitored in evaluating stage of illness and responses to therapy in HIV-infected persons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zeller
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: McCain
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Swanson
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D018450:Disease Progression; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers