Role of C-reactive protein in HIV infection: a pilot study.

Limited data on acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection exist. The relationship of CRP with HIV was assessed in 119 HIV-positive patients and correlated with CD4 counts and mortality at 1 y. CRP was negatively correlated with CD4 counts with levels of CRP being highest in the group with CD4 counts below 200 cells/microL. It was an indicator of mortality and hence may serve as a useful and inexpensive predictor of HIV disease progression.