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Viral
Load differences in early infection with two HIV-1 subtypes [Hu
DJ et al. AIDS 2001; 15: 683]:This a report from Thailand
in which 130 HIV-1 infected seroconverters had viral load measurements
within three months of seroconversion. The results with 103 subtype
E-infected patients showed a median HIV RNA level that was about
three times higher than in 27 patients with subtype B infections
(63,100 c/mL versus 18,050 c/mL; p = 0.001). Subsequent viral load
measurements at 12, 18 and 24 months after seroconversion showed
no significant difference, and CD4 cell count declines was comparable
for the two subtypes.
Comment: This paper is of interest in view of the substantial
attention accorded the modest viral load differences between men
and women. The scientific question posed by the authors concerns
the possible impact of HIV subtype, a consideration that is particularly
important in global AIDS since nearly all the studies have been
done with subtype B. The results here, with subtype E, seem to show
no important difference in either viral load measurement or clinical
course.
posted
6/20/2001
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