IMMUNOLOGICAL PHENOTYPING OF LYMPHOCYTES IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

We propose that the ratios of lymphocyte subsets: CD4+/ CD8+, CD4+/CD3 +, and CD8+/CD3+, graphically displayed in this order, could be an eas y way of immunophenotyping and a simple-form of interpretation both fo r clinicians and patients. A total of 187 asymptomatic HN-positive pat ients, -including 83 symptomatic patients with AIDS- and a normal comp arative age group Of 36 patients, were studied by flow cytometry. Rati os were graphically displayed on millimetric-grid paper, and a specifi c point was given to-each obtained ratio. The points were connected by a fine. The angles formed by the lines were measured and graphically displayed over a circle. The point of reference 0 degrees was located on the left side of the circle, giving the corresponding 90 degrees 18 0 degrees and 240 degrees angles. The graph of the control group shows a ''beach chair'' image. As soon as the CD8+ lymphocytes diminish and the CD8+ lymphocytes increase in HIV+ patients, ''the chair's hendres t'' descends and the ''chair's footpiece'' swivels back. Given the ran ks and fluctuations of the lymphocyte subsets, their graphic display p rovides a better representation of-the immunological status.