INCLUSION CRITERIA
1. HIV infection must be documented by a licensed ELISA and confirmed either by Western blot, positive HIV culture, positive HIV antigen, plasma viremia, or second antibody test positive by a method other than ELISA.
2. Aged 18 years or older.
3. Ability to give informed, written consent.
4. The following laboratory values:
a) Absolute neutrophil count of greater than 1000/mm3.
b) PT, PTT within normal limits.
c) Adequate blood counts (HIV positive volunteers: hemoglobin greater than or equal to 9.0 g/dL, HCT greater than or equal to 28%, platelets greater than or equal to 75,000; HIV negative volunteers: hemoglobin greater than or equal to 12.0 g/dL, HCT greater than or equal to 38%, platelets greater than or equal to 150,000).
d) Blood pressure less than or equal to 180/100; pulse rate 50-100, unless a lower pulse rate is considered normal for the volunteer.
5. CD4+T cell count of any level.
6. Patients may be receiving anti-retroviral therapy.
7. Patients may be receiving prophylaxis for opportunistic infections.
8. HIV negative individuals will qualify as control subjects.
9. Patients must have a clinically palpable lymph node in an easily accessible location.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
1. Women who are pregnant and/or breast-feeding.
2. Currently abusing alcohol or other drugs, including narcotics or cocaine.
3. Patients with AIDS dementia or with an AIDS related malignancy other than minimal Kaposi's sarcoma.
4. Patients who have taken more than two 650 mg doses of aspirin less than one week prior to the date of biopsy.
5. Patients who have taken non-aspirin containing, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar drugs) within 24 hours prior to the date of biopsy.
6. Any medical condition for which the PI feels LN BX might be contraindicated.