A case of seronegative HIV-1 infection.

Spivak, Adam M; Brennan, Tim P; O'Connell, Karen A; Sydnor, Emily; Williams, Thomas M; Siliciano, Robert F; Gallant, Joel E; Blankson, Joel N · J Infect Dis · 2010

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) typically seroconvert within weeks of primary infection. In rare cases, patients do not develop antibodies against HIV-1 despite demonstrable infection. We describe here a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*5802-positive individual who presented with acquired immune deficiency syndrome despite repeatedly negative HIV-1 antibody screening test results. Phylogenetic analysis of env clones revealed little sequence diversity, and weak HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cell responses were present to Gag epitopes. The patient seroconverted after immune reconstitution during receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Lack of an antibody response to HIV-1 is rare and appears to be due to a defect in HIV-1-specific immunity rather than infection with attenuated virus.

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