Longitudinal changes in total, 2-LTR circular, and integrated HIV-1 DNA during the first year of HIV-1 infection in CD4Low and CD4High patient groups with HIV-1 subtype AE.

The level of viral DNA in early HIV-1 infection is an important parameter in the prediction of disease progression. Few data have been published on the dynamics of HIV-1 DNA during the first year of HIV infection. In this study, two distinct HIV-1 patient groups were enrolled. Group 1 (CD4High group) maintained their CD4 above 450 cells/μL within 1 year, while Group 2 (CD4Low group) progressed to CD4 below 300 cells/μL. The amounts of total, 2-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) circular, and integrated HIV-1 DNA were determined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after HIV infection. Reductions in the amount of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA were detected in the CD4High group during the first year of HIV infection but not in the CD4Low group. Disease progression may be related to the body's ability to control HIV-1 DNA during early HIV-1 infection.