Immune escape mutations in HIV-1 controllers in the Brazilian Amazon region.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection is characterized by high viral replication and a decrease in CD4 T cells (CD4TC), resulting in AIDS, which can lead to death. In elite controllers and viremia controllers, viral replication is naturally controlled, with maintenance of CD4TC levels without the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: The aim of the present study was to describe virological and immunological risk factors among HIV-1-infected individuals according to characteristics of progression to AIDS.

Immunological and virological characterization of HIV-1 viremia controllers in the North Region of Brazil.

Background: A rare phenotype of clinical non-progressors to AIDS is not well understood and the new protocol for universal treatment, may block the understanding of viral control thus it is crucial to define this controversial group.

Methods: A cohort of 30 persons followed a criteria for viremia control groups 1 (VC1; n = 2) and 2 (VC2; n = 7) and non-viral controllers (NC; n = 21) including number of years of diagnosis, LTCD4, LTCD8 counts, plasma viral load and the absence of ART; 241 uninfected control persons were matched to age and sex. Infected persons were regularly examined and submitted to two or three annual laboratory measurements.