Plasma viral load and CD4 lymphocytes as prognostic markers of HIV-1 infection

Background: The rate of disease progression among per-sons infected wi th human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) varies widely, and the relative prognostic value of markers of disease activity has not been defined. Objective: To compare clinical, serologic, cellular, and virologic markers for their ability to predict progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death during a 10-year period. Design: Prospective, multicenter cohort study. Setting: Four university-based clinical centers participat