Dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in vertically infected infants

Plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) turnover and kinetics we re studied in children aged 15 days to 2 years following the initiation of a triple antiretroviral drug regimen consisting of zidovudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine. HIV-1 turnover was at least as rapid as that previously des cribed in adults; turnover rates were more rapid in infants and children ag ed 3 months to 2 years than in infants less than 3 months of age. These dat a confirm the central role of HIV-1 replication in the pathogenesis of vert ical HIV-1 infection and reinforce the importance of early, potent combinat ion therapies for the long-term control of HIV-1 replication.