Loss of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Antibodies with Evidence of Viral Infection in Asymptomatic Homosexual Men A Report from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

Four asymptomatic homosexual men reverted from positive to negative serologic results for the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) over 2.5 years, as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Antibody bands in the Western blot from three men were undetectable 6 to 12 months after being positive; gradual fading of the number and intensity of bands was seen in the other man. No HIV-l-p24 antigenemia was detected; cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells were negative for HIV-1 by standard culture assay. Polymerase chain reaction (gene amplification) assays were done on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed the HIV-1 provirus in all subjects 6 to 18 months after the last positive antibody test. Serum specimens from each participant wer