Beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2m) is a polypeptide composing HLA antigens on the surface of nucleated cells. Its serum concentration is increased mainly in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders and during viral infections, and reflects probably accelerated activation and turnover of T cells. In this paper we report on abnormalities of beta 2m serum levels in HIV-infected patients. 17 asymptomatic HIV-carriers and 16 persons with clinically overt disease were examined and compared with 20 healthy controls. Patients with confirmed AIDS or ARC were found to have significantly raised beta 2m levels. We found elevated values of beta 2m in asymptomatic HIV-carriers even with normal T4/T8 lymphocytes ratio. There were statistically significant differences in mean beta 2m values between these groups and healthy individuals. beta 2m can be considered as an early, non-specific marker of HIV infection, even in the absence of clinical manifestations of AIDS.
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