Plasma fibronectin concentrations in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Plasma fibronectin (PFN) concentrations were assessed in 21 patients with AIDS, in seven with AIDS-related complex (ARC), in 17 asymptomatic seropositive patients, and in 36 age and sex matched healthy control subjects. A single radial immunodiffusion technique was used to determine PFN concentration. A significant decrease in PFN concentrations was observed in patients with ARC and AIDS (especially in those patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis). On the other hand, normal PFN concentrations were observed in asymptomatic seropositive patients. The determination of PFN concentration in patients with AIDS and ARC may contribute to the diagnosis of such patients.