Specific Western Blot Bands Are Associated with Initial CD4+ Lymphocyte Counts in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconverters.
Abstract
The Western blot is the most widely used confirmatory test for diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity. Specific bands in the Western blot indicate antibody responses to various portions of HIV or its precursors, and each is assigned a score from 0 to 3+. While the precise role of humoral antibody responses has not been fully established, specific antibody responses might influence the course of HIV infection. 'Mis study investigates the association between antibody reactivity to nine principal Western blot bands and initial CD4+ counts among 877 Navy and Marine Corps personnel during 1988-1991. Multiple regression was used evaluate the strength and significance of the associations and to adjust for age and estimated duration of infection. Strong antibody responses to the p24 core (p < 0.05), p53 reverse transcriptase (p < 0.005), and p55 core precursor (p < 0.0001) antigens were associated with higher initial CD4+ counts, with 33-48 additional cells per mm3 associated with each unit increase in the Western blot score, according to a multiple regression analysis which controlled for age and duration of infection (maximum 24 months). By contrast, antibodies to the gp4l transmembrane antigen (p < 0.0001) were associated with lower initial CD4+ counts. Each unit increase in the gp4l band was associated with 76 fewer CD4+ cells per mm3. A negative association was also observed for the gpl6O envelope precursor antigen, with each unit increase in reactivity associated with 51 fewer CD4+ cells, although this association was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). .... HIV, Western blot, Immunology, CD4+ Lymphocytes, HIV Vaccines, Immunotherapy, p24 Antibodies, p55 Antibodies, gp4l Antibodies, gpl6O Antibodies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA267748
Entities
People
- C. F. Garland
- E. D. Gorham
- F. C. Garland
- P. J. Weiss
- S. K. Brodine
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center