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Serological markers in HIV infection
J M Lange1, J Goudsmit, F De Wolf
1Department of Virology, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Annales De Medecine Interne
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Early detection of HIV antigenaemia is possible before symptoms appear. Antibody responses (IgM and IgG) follow, with disease progression linked to persistent viral load and declining antibody reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is characterized by a complex interplay between viral replication and the host immune response.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics of viral markers and antibody production is crucial for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the timeline of key immunological markers during primary HIV infection.
- To correlate disease progression with specific changes in HIV antigenaemia and antibody profiles.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of HIV antigenaemia.
- Detection of anti-HIV IgM and IgG antibody responses.
- Assessment of antibody reactivity to viral core proteins p17 and p24.
Main Results:
- HIV antigenaemia can be detected at or before the onset of clinical symptoms.
- Anti-HIV IgM appears approximately one week after antigenaemia, followed by anti-HIV IgG within 3-6 weeks post-infection.
- Persistent HIV antigenaemia and declining antibody reactivity to p17/p24 correlate with disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The early detection of HIV antigenaemia offers a window for timely diagnosis of primary HIV infection.
- The sequential appearance of IgM and IgG antibodies provides a serological marker for infection.
- Monitoring viral load and antibody responses is essential for understanding HIV pathogenesis and progression.