title: For timing of HAART is less more? CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD4+ percentage as surrogate markers for more complex immunological features.
abstract: There is disagreement on the optimal timing of HAART initiation based on absolute CD4+ T-cell count (CD4+ count). We investigated if na�ve patients with CD4+ T-cell percentage (%CD4+) <29% or CD4+/CD8+ ratio <1 display signs of immune deterioration notwithstanding CD4+ count ?500 cells/?l. We found that these patients show B-cell aberrations and an impaired control of Torque Teno Virus replication. By contrast, patients with CD4+?500/?l, %CD4+?29% and CD4+/CD8+?1 displayed features of healthy subjects. Results obtained suggest that a combination of these parameters could be an adequate surrogate marker of immunological competence. This will be helpful in deciding when to start HAART.
authors: Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Fogli
authors: Marialuisa
authors: M
authors: Iaria
authors: Emanuele
authors: E
authors: Focá
authors: Cinzia
authors: C
authors: Giagulli
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Caccuri
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Maggi
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Torti
authors: Arnaldo
authors: A
authors: Caruso
authors: Simona
authors: S
authors: Fiorentini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015415:Biomarkers