HIV-1 p24 and CD4 T cell count during boosted protease-inhibitor monotherapy in HIV-infected patients.

Background: Plasma HIV p24 is considered a significant predictor of CD4 T cell decline and progression to AIDS in HIV-infected patients. We evaluated the p24 levels in patients on triple therapy and after switching to ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy (mtPI/rtv), as well as the relationships with virological and immunological evolution.

Materials And Methods: Plasma samples from patients participating in two studies of simplification to mtPI/rtv were analysed for presence of p24, using a boosted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for mature p24.

Prevention of cytomegalovirus disease using pre-emptive treatment after solid organ transplant in patients at high risk for cytomegalovirus infection.

Background: The use of pre-emptive or prophylactic treatment to control cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication after solid organ transplant (SOT) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether administration of pre-emptive treatment to control viral replication guided by a highly sensitive diagnostic tool is an effective approach for preventing CMV disease, even in high-risk transplant recipients.

Methods: Plasma samples from eight SOT patients were tested using antigenaemia and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assays.