[CD38 antigen as a marker for immunological follow-up in HIV-positive patients].

Background: HIV infection causes chronic activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T-lymphocytes, which is partly responsible for the hallmark of the disease--progressive loss of CD4+ T-lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate an influence of HIV infection and long-term antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on expression of the activation molecules CD38 on CD8+ T-lymphocytes.

Methods: A group of 16 HIV-positive patients treated with HAART was followed for 12 months.