[Correlation between CD4 T-cell counts and HIV-1 RNA plasma levels in HIV-1 patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)]
The prognostic value of plasma HIV-1 RNA baseline levels in patients who are going to receive HAART has been recently questioned. In the present study the authors correlated the baseline counts of viremy and CD4 with the viral suppression induced by HAART in an ongoing cohort of HIV-1 positive patients. Data resulting from the study suggest that the HAART effect on CD4 T-cells depends both on the immunological status before starting therapy and on the degree of viral suppression. After briefly discussing about the possible causes of disconnection between CD4 T-cells count and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, authors conclude that the viral suppression is the desired goal of antiretroviral treatment and that the maximum effect of HAART can be achieved by carefully clinically evaluating patients and individuating the best therapy.
Division of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital, Busto Arsizio, Italy.
F.
F
Maggiolo
P.
P
Bottura
R.
R
Capra
G.
G
Pravettoni
F.
F
Suter