T-Lymphocyte Subsets in Intravenous Drug Users With HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —Recently, Margolick et al¹reported on changes in CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte subsets in intravenous drug users (IVDUs). In their words, "The principal finding was the slow rate of decline in CD4 lymphocyte counts in HIV-1 [human immunodeficiency virus type 1] seropositive IVDUs over a 2.5-year period of observation." (Actual observation period was 18 months.) The authors assert that this finding contradicts "the common perception that HIV-1 infection in IVDUs leads to rapid decline in CD4 lymphocytes." Howev Follow-up, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Incidence, and Rates of Change in CD4⁺Lymphocyte Numbers in the San Giovanni Hospital Subcohort of the MPH Study, by CD4⁺Lymphocyte Level at Baseline* Baseline CD4 Level, Cells/μL Developed AIDS No. (%) Incidence† Median Follow-up, Semesters 1.16 Changes/6 mo Median Mean &lt;150 4(44) 34.36 -42.92 10.90 150-299 20 4(20) 2.08 2.42 6.25 23.80 26 6(23) 6.37 -15.31 450-599 45 6(13) 3.19 3.66 -29.79