VIRAL MEASUREMENT BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION-BASED ASSAYS IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-INFECTED INFANTS

Serial samples from human immunodeficiency virus-infected infants in t he first year of life were analyzed by quantitative human immunodefici ency virus polymerase chain reaction assays. Very high, persistent lev els of plasma RNA and proviral DNA were detected throughout the study period, suggesting the absence of an effective immune response, Most p atients had normal CD4 lymphocyte counts and were symptom free for the first 3 to 6 months despite high levels of viral replication. These f indings support the evaluation of early intervention (before symptoms develop) and efforts to establish the predictive value of these assays .