Longitudinal Changes in Total,2-LTR Circular,and Integrated HIV-1 DNA During the First Year of HIV-1 Infection in CD4 Low and CD4 High Patient Groups with HIV-1 Subtype AE

Abstract

The level of viral DNA in early HIV-1 infection is an important parameter in the prediction of disease progression. Few data have been published on the dynamics of HIV-1 DNA during the first year of HIV infection. In this study, two distinct HIV-1 patient groups were enrolled. Group 1 (CD4_High group) maintained their CD4 above 450 cells/μL within 1 year, while Group 2 (CD4_Low group) progressed to CD4 below 300 cells/μL. The amounts of total, 2-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) circular, and integrated HIV-1 DNA were determined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after HIV infection. Reductions in the amount of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA were detected in the CD4_High group during the first year of HIV infection but not in the CD4_Low group. Disease progression may be related to the body's ability to control HIV-1 DNA during early HIV-1 infection.