[Quantification of T-lymphocyte subpopulations. Immunological marker in human immunodeficiency virus infections]

The absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was counted directly in the blood of 75 healthy controls and 223 individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV-seropositive individuals were also classified clinically according to the system recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. We observed a pattern of changes in the T cell subset counts of the patient group. This pattern could be defined by five T cell stages ranging from normal T cell subset values to values representing severe T cell immunodeficiency. A close correlation was observed between the immunological and clinical classification of the patients. Quantification of T cell subsets may provide useful information in the follow-up of individuals infected with HIV, particularly in assessing the indications for antiviral therapy, and its effects.