[Neopterin--a prognostic marker in HIV infection]

Abstract

28 HIV-infected persons (19 stadium II, 5 stadium III, 4 stadium IV) were investigated for CD4+ lymphocytes, HIV p24 core antigen and urinary neopterin. Monitoring the course of infection repeated estimations were done. Urinary neopterin was found elevated in 26 out of 28 infected people (p less than 0.001). There is an increase in urinary neopterin levels associated with clinical progression in the course of HIV-infection. An inverse correlation to CD4+ lymphocyte count exists. High levels of neopterin early indicate a clinical progression to disease, as well as a decrease of CD4+ lymphocytes below 0.4 or 0.2 Gpt/l, respectively, and a reappearance of HIV p24 core antigen. The course of 5 cases is presented. In HIV-infection urinary neopterin is a suitable marker of activity and progression.