The aim of the study was evaluation of serum neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentrations as "prognostic markers" of AIDS natural history.
Material and methods: Investigations was performed in 68 patients (48 hiv-infected and 20 without hiv-infection), who were divided into 3 groups according to HIV CDC classification.
Results: The highest serum concentrations of neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin were detected in patients with AIDS. In a non-symptomatic HIV-infected patients p24 Ag was absent. It was detected in patients with AIDS. Negative correlation between neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin serum concentration and CD4 count was detected in sera from all patients. Positive correlation was observed between p24 Ag, serum neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin concentration in patients with AIDS.
Conclusions: Progression of HIV infection was connected with an increase of serum neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin serum concentrations. Neopterin serum concentration seems to be a more sensitive marker of HIV infection than beta 2-microglobulin.