Elevated levels of circulating immune complexes in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Circulating immune complexes were quantitated in asymptomatic intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), male homosexuals, and patients with lymphadenopathy or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by two different methods. Circulating immune complexes were elevated in HIV-seronegative IVDAs and male homosexuals, probably reflecting viral infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Circulating immune complexes were also elevated in HIV-seropositive IVDAs and male homosexuals and in patients with lymphadenopathy or AIDS, reflecting infections such as CMV and HIV.