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Abstract

Title: A simple relationship between viral load and survival time in HIV-1 infection.
Author: Arnaout RA, Lloyd AL, O'Brien TR, Goedert JJ, Leonard JM, Nowak MA
Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96(20):11549-11553
Year: 1999
Month: September

Abstract: Despite important recent insights into the short-term dynamics of HIV-1 infection, our understanding of the long-term pathogenesis of AIDS remains unclear. Using an approach that places rapid progressors, typical progressors, and nonprogressors on a single clinical spectrum of disease progression, we quantitate the previously reported relationship between viral load and survival time. We introduce the concept of viral constant, present evidence that this quantity is conserved across patients, and explore the immunopathological implications of this finding. We conclude with a quantitative approach for assessing the benefits of a given regime of antiviral therapy.